I cannot believe we live in this society...

Christmas just happenned and the New Year is approaching, so many of us are still in the holiday mood.

Not sure how up to date this world around us, but today, Saddam was hung tonight. Here are some comments for you to ponder a little. I hate to end the year with such a note, I will write something uplifting the next few days.

Comments on the death penalty for Saddam

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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"Our respect for human rights requires us to execute him, and there will be no review or delay in carrying out the sentence." - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
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Saddam's execution punishes "a crime with another crime. ... The death penalty is not a natural death. And no one can give death, not even the state." - Cardinal Renato Martino, Pope Benedict XVI's top prelate for justice issues.
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"Today marks an important milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law." - deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel, on day appeals court upheld death penalty.
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"Imposing the death penalty, which is indefensible in any case, is especially wrong after the unfair proceedings of the Dujail trial." - Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program for Human Rights Watch.
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"Saddam is paying the price for murdering tens of thousands of Iraqis. This is an unprecedented feeling of happiness. ... Nothing matches it, no festival or marriage or birth." - Abu Sinan, a resident of Sadr City, Baghdad's impoverished Shiite slum.
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"This is an unfair verdict and if Saddam is executed or not ... he will remain a symbol and no one can delete it, neither the Iraqi government nor the Americans." - Muhssin Ali Mohammed of Tikrit, Saddam's hometown.
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"As long as he's alive, there's still some power and people still rise up. Once the execution goes through, I think it will be a relief for a lot of Iraqis." - Sgt. Stuart Fowler, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment.
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"I think personally that things might get heated up around here then. There's still a lot of people who support him." - Pfc. Michael Petersen, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment.
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"We are against the death penalty. However, what I think is important about this is to recognize that this trial of Saddam has been handled by the Iraqis themselves. ... It does give us a very clear reminder of the total and barbaric brutality of that regime." - British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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"All sections of Iraqi society, as well as the wider international community, have an interest in ensuring that a death sentence provided for in Iraqi law is only imposed following a trial and appeal process that is, and is legitimately seen as, fair, credible and impartial." - Louise Arbour, U.N. high commissioner for human rights.
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"It will not increase our moral authority in the world. ... Saddam's heinous crimes against humanity can never be diminished, but he was our ally while he was doing it. ... Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth will make us blind and disfigured. ... Saddam as a war trophy only deepens the catastrophe to which we are indelibly linked." - the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
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"Putting into action such an inhumane sentence casts aside the aspirations of the Iraqi people for the transformation of their country." - Ravil Gainutdin, head of the Russian Council of Muftis, to the RIA-Novosti news agency.

Christmas thought...

So I wrote this e-mail to a few close friends last year and I thought I would share it here...

Ever wonder how much Jesus truly suffered?

Think about it. When one thinks of Jesus suffering, the agony of the garden comes to mind, but more prevalent, the crucifix. But has the birth ever come to mind? Yes, its a beautiful event where the Virgin Mary, Our Mother, gives birth to the Savior of the World. Our brother, the man who takes away our sins, allows us to unite ourselves in the Holy Eucharist, endured sufferring that day as well. His bed was a crib of hay and his home a manger. Just think the night, the breeze the coldness. Babies especially young need heat. How truly comfortable can a crib full of hay be, the same bed where animals sleep? He came to this world as a poor human, not with the extravagant gifts that Kings are accustomed to have. He came to this world as you and I.

There are several times when we feel like we are in hay like the animals. Poor as can be spiritually, and physically. So look at those cribs and see our Savior. He will save us. Unite yourself. This morning you have received the best gift of all.

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Not sure how I came up with this theory, but sometimes we get caught up in the wrong meaning of Christmas. Its not about how many gifts we receive or who sent the coolest Christmas card, but rather the preparation of our Lord on His birth. Now that is a gift.

Merry Christmas. There is a reason why Christ is in that word.

You will be in my prayers and enjoy this time we have with friends and family.

The mistakes we make...

Laying here in bed a few hours before midnight to celebrate one of the greatest days ever, the birth of our Lord, I am contemplating on the mistakes we make in life.

Some are stupid, others we cannot remember, and others we didn't even know were mistakes. Our whole life is....we can do the right or the wrong. The worst part of it all is the consequence and the guilt we feel.

But the great thing is we get each morning to make up for the stupid things we do in life. The more exciting part is being Catholic and knowing Confession is there waiting for me.

I ask you, Lord, tonight to give me the strength to love you more and seek your help as we approach your Birthday. Yeah if only more people truly grasp its YOUR day tomorrow Lord.

As a billboard I read in Omaha, a night before I left, "We need to talk." - God. I need to keep that at heart.

Catholics will rule the world!!

Media; Missed Church? No Worries. Download It to Your IPod.
August 29, 2005, Monday

By TANIA RALLI (NYT); Business/Financial Desk

DISPLAYING ABSTRACT - Podcasting is catching on with religious groups, which use them to send out sermons and other material; evangelical Christian groups, which have long used radio and television to get their message out, are in forefront, but one of most popular Christian podcasts is Catholic Insider, which was founded by Rev Roderick Vonhogen of Netherlands...

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Yeah it costs money to read the rest of the article, but it drew me to the Catholic Insider [http://www.sqpn.com] Right now I am listening a priest describing St. Peters in Rome, his voice shows me the love and beauty of our Church. Yeah you should check this out.

I want an IPod so bad. Thought you would enjoy it.

We are SUSHI MASTERS!

Beth's Sushi Making


So my friend, Beth Carlson and I love sushi! We decided to google, "how to make sushi" and guess what we learned. Than we had to google "asian market omaha, nebraska." Because there are just somethings you cannot get at a regular market. I am such a nerd and you will agree. My life is good.

With a Catholic Feast there is a Par-ty!

Just STOP and Pray

So in the middle of the week, is usually when my heart rate increases because I realize all the things I need to get done. But in all reality I am solely just stressing myself out. Last night, I decided to put on my cell phone alarm for noon and 3:00 for hours of prayer. Now at 3:10, I am typing to testify that I just prayed a chaplet at UNO's campus in the cafeteria. Yes, that is right and you what, the things I thought I needed to get done just suddenly didn't seem as important.

Pray for me still though. Even though I am a college graduate, I have a final at 6:00 pm in Yoga. It's the real deal like fill in the blanks and matching. Yeah I should have paid more attention.

The perfect way to start Advent

Ever wonder exactly what is Advent? Well, you clicked on the right site if you have. In Latin, the word Advent means "to come to." Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. As a Catholic I am encouraged to prepare myself for the Lord. One of the best ways to do so is especially strive to add some holiness in my everyday living. Through prayer, reading the Bible, daily mass, a little mental prayer this could be achieved, but most importantly there is the sacrament of Penance. Such a scary thought, but what better way can I "come to" the Lord than freeing myself from all past sin. Yeah let's all try "to come to."
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Today we had a core group of students over for brunch after the first Sunday in Advent for the first time. God could not have planned it any better. Pray for these students and their willing to come closer to Christ especially now when God is tugging on their hearts.
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A student invited me to go caroling with some high schoolers from a local parish. I said sure why not, what else do I have going on. It's Sunday it's the day of rest, I might as well do a little act of kindness. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. We went to a center not too far from town where young adults who have some sort of brain injury or spinal cord injury are being taken care of. Most are wheelchair bond and their physical ability is limited, but their smiles and laughter was not limited. The kids and myself included were complaining, "I cannot sing." But you know what their are lots of thing these young adults cannot do and wish they could. I have the ability to sing, might not have the skill, but the ability, I might as well use it.

These young adults are my age. We are so different, but yet so very similar. My life could change in the blink of an eye.

Their were some requests, but the one I enjoyed the most is this young gentleman around my age who requested Joy to the World. It our first request after being in three other buildings. It was his smile, pure joy, and attempt to say "thank you."

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

May the Lord, guide us all to recognize the gifts we have that we didn't even realize were gifts.

One of those nights

Ever have those nights where you know you should be sleeping, but the world and just your mind is preventing you to do so. Lately the Gospel reading has been hitting the nerve, in a good way. It's like the Lord knows exactly what I should be hearing.

For instance Thursday's reading on the 30th of November. Matthew 4:18-22.

• He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

We have heard the saying a million times. Come, after me, and I will make you fishers of men. But often times we forget about the line the comes directly after. "At once they left their nets and followed him." They didn't have to get a few belongings, or say goodbye. They just left and followed.

I know first hand when God is calling me to make a decision in my life, I have never right than and there left and followed. Hesitation and resistance allows comes first. I am too afraid because I am afraid of the person God is calling me to be. We all know that the more God calls us closer to Him the more we learn about ourselves. And usually these characteristics or ourselves are not the most faltering.

Lord, give me the strength to leave and follow. Let me not resist my own selfishness, but at the same time be mindful that it is your will I follow not mine.

My very own Christmas tree

So I few days ago, I put up my Christmas tree. Can't say I have ever put one up because I have lived in the dorms til now, so it was kinda of a big kid thing to do. The students think I am funny, but shoot I even made myself my own advent wreath. Yeah it's good being me.

Dessert to Die for...

I made this for the Archbishop when he came over for dinner. Yeah Team UNO is kinda of a big deal.

Novena to Immaculate Conception.

So tonight or tomorrow you may start a novena here is the link...

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/immaculate.htm#1

I am too tired to say anything wise maybe next time....just pray.

Just Beautiful!!

"Love does not measure; it just gives." - Blessed Mother Theresa. It took 1886.2 miles....but so worth it. Even though love is not measured, it surely took a long time to see it.

In my short life thus far, I have experienced a variety of things. But one thing will always stand out, the Staples wedding. The more and more this couple gave to each other, the more love was out poured. As a friend watching from the distant, I can say, that these two had to give a lot in order to see beauty.

To the Staples, thank you for being such a wonderful example of what true love is. In this world where love is so distorted, I have been able to experience what love is supposed to look like for a couple of years now. People say my standards are high, but they don't know the couple I have been living up to.

I see the way they look at each other and the Holy Spirit couldn't be more present in their lives. If I find half a man like him, than my world would be complete. Just Beautiful!!

May the Holy Family be a shining example of true love's glow. May we continue to give in order to see the beautiful glow.

I just love my job

So not even five minutes on being in Omaha, I receive a phone call from a student and friend. She sounded very upset, so I became worried. "Hey, can you do me a favor." "Sure." "I lost my student ID and I kind of need it, can you say a prayer to St. Anthony."

In the back of my mind, I just kept thinking. WoW, I love my job, how special do I feel. Yeah two minutes later, I receive another call, "Yeah I found it." I don't think it was my prayers, but we can pretend can't we...

So the moral of the story, say a prayer.

Nebraska's Real Treasure...

The Holy Family Shrine. The most beautiful church I have attended. Okay, maybe not the most beautiful, but maybe the most beautiful in Nebraska. http://www.holyfamilyshrine.com

From now on, anyone who visits me will attend mass with me on Saturday's at 10:00 am. They have mass every Saturday morning. I will be attending there more often.

"Never leave that which you could do today." - Benjamin Franklin. Why do people procrastinate. Fear in failure even in the big and bad things I guess. Let's see what tomorrow will hold for me.

A quote to ponder

Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away. - Hitch

I know it's a movie quote, but a good one. Just ponder and you will believe.

Digo Si, Senor.

Priest: "So if we do everything God tells us to do and we do it 100% What does He promise to give us?"
First 2nd Grader: "His Love."
Priest: "No, we receive that even if we just do minimal work. What does He promise us?"
Second 2nd Grader: "Heaven."

This was part of the homily today at mass. I LOVE IT. Because no matter what we do or say or even if we mess up. Guess what? God loves us!!! Yeah its a good morning to be alive!!

Later on, they sang a song that had such lyrics...Digo, Si Senor. Digo, Si Senor por el malo y el bueno. I am not sure if those are exact lyrics, but basically...I say Yes, Lord for the good and the bad.

There has been a lot more silence

I cannot believe sometimes that this my job. I am sitting here in the student center like I do most days just waiting for people to come visit me. Sometimes they are late, sometimes I am late, but it never fails I usually sit here in silenced for a little bit. I look up now and everyone is in their own different world. UNO campus reminds me a lot of the movie Mean Girls and the scene in the mall where the people turn into animals. Not saying that everyone is an animal, but definitely in their own worlds.

How can we break this and make conversations. I am not too sure but once you figure that out, let me know. I try and try, but the devil and fear gets the best of me.

I started playing the guitar yesterday. I have had this guitar for over three years and yesterday I installed the program.."Teach Yourself to Play The Guitar." We will see what happens. I know the E string pretty well now, well sort of. It's all about patience, something that has been challenging me greatly lately.

I ask you for the prayers to shine the Light of our Lord to others, as I do pray for you.

Enjoy the silence in our lives because more than likely that is God trying to finally get His voice out there to you when you are so distracted with all the noise that this world has to offer.

Guitar, Prayer, and Sushi

This is how I spent my Sunday. More to say a little later, now its bedtime.

A new start...

Not many missionaries can say they get to start new as a missionary. Here at UNO we have that opportunity. We have now become a team of three.

Lord, give me and others the strength to preserve and keep in mind the vision and passion to bring our peers closer to know YOU more.

So Sorry

Gospel
Lk 14:25-33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,
and he turned and addressed them,
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the cost
to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation
and finding himself unable to finish the work
the onlookers should laugh at him and say,
‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down
and decide whether with ten thousand troops
he can successfully oppose another king
advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?
But if not, while he is still far away,
he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way,
everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.”
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So Sorry again, but I just wanted to check base and let you know that I am alive and well. God has just put the test in the campus life and we have survived. Let's just remember that our joy would be rejoiced daily with the storms and all. God never said there wouldn't be storms, He just said that our foundation of life should be made of rock not of sand. WE MUST CARRY THE CROSS HE HAS GIVEN US. We are His followers not just fans in the sideline.

Let's rejoice my brothers and sister that God is in our midst. He loves us and as much as we beg to differ knows the plans He has set before us.

Lost for words

For those that read this, things are going, but I cannot explain in words what has been new...just keep me your prayers as I have been keeping you in mine.

Thank you Lord for the gift

of FRIENDSHIP. Even though its a little after 9. It's bedtime.

Day of Silence

I am not someone who usually takes part of national day of ..... But today it struck my attention. To the best of my ability, I will be silence in my words. I thought I would enter a quick blog and stop my communication for the day.

Why silence you ask? Silentday.org Since January 22 1973 over 48,000,000 babies have had their voice silenced. "Over 4,000 children have their lives taken each day in the name of choice. Over 4,000 woman are emotionally damaged ever day." On this day students will give their voices to these children and woman.

I have been in the student center for 22 minutes and I have had two students yell, "Jacqueline!" But yeah I waved and smiled and walked up to them and gave them a flyer. They read it and they were on their way to give a little silence in this world.

Spread the news and see what you can do.

The "spiritual father of Cuba"

Being Cuban and Catholic and I am in love with tomorrow. It will be in my day.

"The "spiritual father of Cuba" was a missionary, religious founder, social reformer, queen’s chaplain, writer and publisher, archbishop and refugee. He was a Spaniard whose work took him to the Canary Islands, Cuba, Madrid, Paris and to the First Vatican Council.

He spent 10 years giving popular missions and retreats, always placing great emphasis on the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her rosary, it was said, was never out of his hand. At 42, beginning with five young priests, he founded a religious institute of missionaries, known today as the Claretians.

He was appointed to head the much-neglected archdiocese of Santiago in Cuba. He began its reform by almost ceaseless preaching and hearing of confessions, and suffered bitter opposition mainly for stamping out concubinage and giving instruction to black slaves. A hired assassin (whose release from prison Anthony had obtained) slashed open his face and wrist. Anthony succeeded in getting the would-be assassin’s death sentence commuted to a prison term. His solution for the misery of Cubans was family-owned farms producing a variety of foods for the family’s own needs and for the market. This invited the enmity of the vested interests who wanted everyone to work on a single cash crop—sugar. Besides all his religious writings are two books he wrote in Cuba: Reflections on Agriculture and Country Delights." - AmericanCatholic.org

St. Anthony Claret, Pray for us.

Red Car

Everytime I see that red car
I cannot help but thank of you
Yet I know you are so far

The terror of the unknown
I solely long to be with You
My Lord, upon Your Holy Throne

"Keep smiling."

It takes only $2.65 to warm up my heart

Today has been a blest day overall. Just taking each minute as it comes. Nothing to planned for my day. Tonight after a good evening with my roommate and a friend, we saw a man in the corner of the street. Standing there with a sign. We made U-turn went to the gas station, bought crackers with peanut butter, a bottle water, and 20 oz of hot chocolate. Another U-turn and my roommate rolled down her window and said, "Excuse me Sir, we bought you this at the gas station." Yeah you never know what will happen with the money you give, but with food and drink you always know it will be in good hands. Try it out next time, carry some food with you for cases such as these.

We can all offer up $2.65 every once in a while.

Now its a weekend of relaxation. Pray for those traveling and their journeys. May God truly bless their time at their destinations.

The smallest things make the biggest difference

"The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ." - Ignatius, -- who also called himself Theophorus ("bearer of God"), was most likely a disciple of the Apostle John.

I just love stories of Saints. By tradition, he was the same little child whom Jesus placed in the midst of the disciples when He said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 18:2-4]
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Today I was off to early start and the Saint of the day kept me motivated as you can tell. I was in the laundry mat when an older couple started making small talk with me. It was a great way to enjoy the time spend while your clothes gets washed. I sat there at the end a little sad they were leaving when the gentleman came up to me an said, "You know what you are a very pretty young lady, you look just like Rachael Ray, that cook on TV." The only thing I could think to say was "Thank you." But of course for those that know me, I wanted to say, "Are you kidding me, I love that girl, I like to pretend I am just like her." Yeah I was honored and still am. The smallest things and kind gestures can change someone's life. Granted the compliment had nothing to do with my character, we all like compliments here and there.

We should go back and be like children in our faith so small and innocent and be willing to always remember God is in our midst. The smallest gestures and conversations with genuine attitude is how we should return to be.

Fishers of Men

Fishers of Men


I had heard about this video from a few of my friends and it is fantastic. I thought I would add it to my blog. It's Semester Break here at Team UNO, so we have been able to lay back and enjoy the simple blessings God has given us.

I pray that you have been able to do the same.

"I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus."

It truly has been an amazing and busy week. I haven't even had time to update the blog. God has truly given me the patience and perservance. Now on this Friday afternoon, I am at lost of words, but I will end with a quote from St. Margaret Mary.

Christ speaks to St. Margaret Mary: "Behold this Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love. In return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrileges, and by the coldness and contempt they have for me in this sacrament of love.... I come into the heart I have given you in order that through your fervor you may atone for the offenses which I have received from lukewarm and slothful hearts that dishonor me in the Blessed Sacrament" (Third apparition).

"Your Will Be Done"

Chris Muglia - Your Will Be Done
I got myself out of bed this morning,
got on my knees and I started to pray.
Well, it looks like I made it to the day
I worried about all day yesterday.

Oh, no, here I go,
I'm already starting to worry about tomorrow.
What's it gonna take?

I've gotta get a break, I've been up five minutes
and I've already got a headache.
Hold on for a minute, I forgot what I was praying for.
Now it's coming back to me. I was gonna say that...

I believe that you're a God who died for me
and you love me like a son.
I thought that this would be a great day to say,
"I surrender. May your will be done."

As long as we're together, if you don't mind,
I've got a few more things that I'd really like to say.
I'm afraid maybe it will come out wrong
and you won't hear what's really on my brain.

Oh, no, here I go,
I'm already starting to worry again and I know
it really doesn't matter what's in my mind.
?Cause in my heart you already know that...

I said that I believe in God almighty.
I said I trust you will provide.
Lord, I pray you help me live as though I
do believe the words I speak,
trusting you in everything.

"I have been all things unholy."

"I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, he can work through anyone." - St. Francis of Assisi. How many of us can relate to such a quote. I know in my life there are times when I feel unclean with my thoughts and actions. But I know God is working through me. We have to ask each morning, "LORD, WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE YOUR HEAVENLY KINGDOM EVEN LARGER." Do we want to bring a smile to our Lord's face or bring him more pain. The best thing we can do is follow HIS WILL.

I have been all things unholy, but by the graces of God, I am now being used by Him.

I cannot believe that a little less than seven months ago I was praying in the front of the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi. It moved me and has been by far my most favorite place in the world. The peace, the tranquility, and stillness in the air. I can close my eyes and see it now.

St. Francis gave up all material things to serve our Lord. Let me be reminded when I go around introducing myself to students in the student center that material worth is nothing compared to great conversation and genuine friendship. "Hi, do you mind if I keep you company?" It might seem awkward, but you never know who needs a loving ear.

Guardian Angel Prayer

Feast Day: October 2 Angel of God, my Guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day be at my side To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Pray for Us

For many missionaries, today is a great feast day. St. Thérèse of Lisieux is an amazing while at the same time a very simple woman.

• Life in a Carmelite convent is indeed uneventful and consists mainly of prayer and hard domestic work. But Thérèse possessed that holy insight that redeems the time, however dull that time may be. She saw in quiet suffering redemptive suffering, suffering that was indeed her apostolate. Thérèse said she came to the Carmel convent "to save souls and pray for priests." And shortly before she died, she wrote: "I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth."

I had a great time at home and I thank our Lord for gift of love.

Home for the weekend

I have been home for only 28 hours and I am already hurting for the drive back to Omaha. There is nothing like a little tender love from the parents and your family. Being a missionary and exploring news things is great. To keep it short because I need my rest;

• Who would have thought a girl who has never eaten sushi and has not eaten it two days in a row...its secretly really GOOD!
• Waffle House at 1 am and than again at 9 am---I eat too much.
  
• Parades are fun because candy is just too good [my friend, Brenda can totally testify] and ....
  
• Well nothing like sitting around a fire roasting some hot dogs, smoking some cigars and eventually eating those s'mores.

Phone calls are not hugs

Inspiring Story! Free Hugs Campaign (Music by Sick Puppies)

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It has been a great night. Still have a lot to do. Yeah, but I love phone calls from my friends [especially ones from Amherst, MA :)]

Life what a wonderful thing?!?!

It doesn't matter how much you want to pretend you have your whole day planned out for you, God throws in a curve ball at you.

I cannot complain, tonight I shared with others the moment where evagelization became a reality. It was late one night around 1 in the morning and a few us where having a sleep-over at FOCUS summer training. The topic of judgment came about. "When you pass away, all your sins will be played to you in a big screen and everyone would be watching." One of the girls said. I said, "WHAT? No one ever told me that." Yeah I started thinking, oh crud I better start behaving or my life is going to stink and I won't go to heaven.

But life is not just about us. It's about all the souls around us. What good will heaven do if my loved ones are not joined with me. It's our duty and call to bring everyone we know to heaven with us, hopefully we make it that far.

"Those who have received the Good News and who have been gathered by it into a community of salvation can and must communicate it and spread it…" (No. 13) (Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI) However we cannot spread this news alone. That is why we have the Eucharist.

St. Augustine says it beautifully, “To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement."

"At least I am not Catholic"

One of things we do as a first year on a new campus is just sit around on campus and be present. Every once in a while we will make conversation and see people we have encountered before. After mass and prayer this morning, I was sitting there organizing my e-mails/working on a time sheet and so forth when the table next to me were being quite loud.

"What religion are you?" one the gentleman asked the other. One of them said, "I am Buddhist" and went on and on how the Buddhist is the best religion because no one makes fun of them or no one every gets in trouble for practicing such a religion. At the end of he claimed..."At least I am not Catholic." My heart just sunk to the floor. I thought, "What do I do now? Catholicism is my life." I sat there going back and forth in my mind on the conversation I could have with this fellow. As I packed my bag and walked to his chair, I said in my head, "Mother Mary, HELP ME NOW."

"Excuse I didn't mean to over hear your conversation, but I am actually a Catholic missionary and if you ever want to talk about religions and faith, let me now." and I handed him my card. He was caught off guard and said, "Oh, okay thanks." He didn't make eye contact whatsoever, but I walked away thanking the Lord.

We have those moments in our everyday life where we can speak the truth. What's keeping us from telling others the reason for our hope. 1 Peter 3:15

1. Touch - It's my love language and I am pretty sure I can never get enough hugs. I thank my friend for showing me my love this weekend.
   
2. School Bus - At UNO, there are shuttle buses that go from north campus to south campus, back and forth all day. I sat with a student to take a tour of campus. Yeah it's a good life I leave, we entered the same stop we were dropped off in.
   
3. Tennis - I enrolled in intramural tennis here at UNO. The amazing thing I won, I won my first ever sports competition. I don' t know what happened, but God, I thank you.
   
4. High School dance - Saturday night, I went to Hastings to hang out with a friend. She lives next door to a Catholic school. We walked with another high schooler to a homecoming dance. Lord, pray for all those high schoolers out there. High school is a time of confusion and I pray that our Mother Mary is guiding them to their Son.
   
5. Forgiveness and Understanding - I love the Sacrament of Confession. A friend told me over summer training, "Saints have past, Sinners have futures." I guess there is hope for all of us.
   

Quick few words

I know for those that read this, I haven't posted a real entry in quite some time now. I just have a few words and I will describe later...

1. Touch
   
2. School Bus
   
3. Tennis
4. High School dance
5. Forgiveness and Understanding

It's bed time. But I promise I will clarify what these statements mean tomorrow. If nothing else, you are in my prayers.

Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples

"Count yourself lucky if you're in Naples on 19 September close to the Duomo (cathedral) around 10am to see the long-awaited liquefaction of Saint Januarius's blood! Legend has it that, in 305 AD, the bishop of Benevent, Januarius (Gennaro), was beheaded by the Romans and some of his blood was collected in a tightly sealed vial. This dried blood is said to miraculously liquefy each year on his feast day of September 19 when the vial is taken from the cathedral and paraded through the city streets. The quicker the blood liquefies, the better the year will be for Naples and the Neapolitans seeking protection from Saint Januarius against disease and the rage of Vesuvius. Nowadays, many Neapolitans only half believe the legend, critical yet superstitious at the same time." [http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl
/mag4/art20040901/htm/dest_naples.htm]

The stories you hear now and than about the Catholic faith, how can you not fall in love even more.

Look at the simple miracles of your day and praise the Lord.

Great Day!

It's 48 degrees on September 18th. Seriously what is going on in this world. Sometimes I wonder if the coldness in the weather is a reflection of the coldness in my spiritual life.

Lord, in this quick post, I ask you for the graces to feel the warmth of your Holy Spirit. Let me have the passion to work even harder with passion with Your will not mine.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

How can we not celebrate today. Every good Catholic and Christian has cross. It might be a symbol that we are so used to with that we do not think of its beauty anymore. When I traveled to Rome in March, I visited Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. There you will find many relics that will leave you in awe. I didn't even know these things existed. I pray that the picture allows you to remember the beauty of the cross.

LET'S CELEBRATE TODAY!

This information was taken from: http://www.sacred-destinations.com]

The relics enshrined at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in the Chapel of the Holy Relics are:

1. Hanging vertically on the left: A large fragment of the Good Thief's cross;
2. Top shelf, left: The bone of an index finger, said to be the finger of St. Thomas that he placed in the wounds of the Risen Christ
3. Top shelf, middle: A single reliquary containing small pieces of: the Scourging Pillar (to which Christ was tied as he was beaten); the Holy sepulcher (Christ's tomb); and the crib of Jesus
4. Top shelf, right: Two thorns from the Crown of Thorns. It is said that the plant from which these came cannot be identified.
5. Middle shelf, in large cross-shaped reliquary: Three fragments from the True Cross
6. Bottom shelf, left: One nail used in the Crucifixion. Far more than the original three nails are venerated around the world; several popes openly cast copies that contained filings from those believed to be the originals.
7. Bottom shelf, right: The Title of the Cross, discovered in the church in 1492. The fragment shows the word "Nazarene" written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek.

Reading II- Phil 2:6-11

Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

"I get by with a little help from my friends."

"I get by with a little help from my friends." - John Lennon.

This weekend I had a great time to relax and unwind. My friend came up to visit me in Omaha. Often times people wonder what I do all day that I am so busy. Well, my dear friends just have a little faith and trust me that I am busy. For instance I have been so busy today going from one place to another that I have not had time to take care of my little cold today.

I have nothing wise or wonderful to say tonight. Just a few things...

1. Say "Thank you" to all those people in your life that bring happiness in your life.
2. Say a prayer to all those on this anniversity of 9/11. My parents are there now. I cannot imagine if they had gone 5 years ago, the emotions my heart would be feeling now. Pray for the healing soul and mind of those touched my the actions of 9/11.
3. Smile. [Smiling truly makes you feel better, might seem weird, but just Smile].
   

It just clicked...

This photo was taken at St. Margaret Mary's Parish in Omaha. Every Wednesday during the school year there is a Mass 'n Munch at noon. Students gather from their busy schedule for mass and free lunch afterwards. As a missionary its one of my favorite days because that means I eat lunch for FREE!

I was sitting there before mass thinking... Wondering how cool it would be to see Jesus. We all have those people in our lives that we see as heroes and would love to meet and shake hands with. I mean look at the Pope, it would be pretty amazing to meet him, wouldn't it? Well, guess what being you see your hero face to face everyday, in the Eucharist. There are thousands even millions of parishes in the world that gives us the opportunity to see our hero, either in an adoration chapel or in mass. We even have the apparently to become one with Him in the Holy Sacrament of communion. Our flesh becomes one with Him. So next time, I think, man it would be exciting to just sit and talk to Jesus. Well, guess what, I can in the Eucharist. Yeah it's pretty cool I can see my hero any day or time I want. I am pretty spoiled.

Mother Theresa knew the heart of FOCUS...

September 5th, 1997 our Lord called Blessed Mother Theresa home. It is hard to believe that 9 years ago so many people mourn the loss of an inspiring hero and even one day declared finally a Saint. I cannot recall any other Catholic figure that created so much hope in the hearts of so many individuals Catholic or not. "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. " Look at her beauty, she was wise and knew exactly the right words to say. Love that is tired is not contageious. As a missionary we can grow weary with all the tasks that we feel need to get done in our day. But is our number one task to love others. I know at the end of the day, I am exhausted. In her words, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

This weekend was amazing for sure. My team took a team trip to Lincoln to get away and do a little bonding. The highlight of the weekend had to be Saturday. I have just one other thing to say. There are no fans like Nebraska Husker fans. I have to admit I have become a fan. I even bought myself a hat. Craziness.

So is this like your job?

One of the many blessings of being a Catholic missionary, a lot of people are curious about what exactly does that mean. Tonight I had a few opportunities to share my story. One thing I learned that works the best, is to be yourself. Don't hide anything just be up front and tell it how it is. No one likes people who beat around the bush. One of the best questions I had today was, "So is this like your job?" As a matter of fact, yes this is my job, but it is more than a job because its 24/7 and I am happy doing it. Lord, I thank you for the opportunity in using me to share Your love to others. Help me to improve on my racquet ball skills because humility was in true site tonight.

What's in your heart?

"I am a missionary for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at the University of Nebraska Omaha. 1 Peter 3:15 tell us 'Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.' Students of UNO what's in your heart? Hopefully we can help you discover the truth. Contact us at uno@focusonline.org FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) giving students vision for life."

On Friday morning all four of us made a 30 second commercial to aired every once in a while in the radio station here in Nebraska. Each a little a different, but the beginning and ending the same. Basically doing a little PR is lots of fun! I have been pondering this quote for the past five days..."What's in your heart?" How can I challenge others to place God in their hearts first and foremost before everything else, when I know for myself its a constant struggle to do so. My heart is full of so many things that God sometimes is a hidden and doesn't shine forth like He should be.

I ask you and pray for all of us tonight, to allow the Holy Spirit to come to our hearts and let God be number one in our hearts, so that others may see His reflection through us.

Fellowship and Pretty Feet

It's late and I am going to make this a little short. One of the great part of being a FOCUS Missionary is the people you meet on your walk with God. One is particular is this family in Gretna, NE. Sarah and I were welcomed to their home this evening. We spent almost four hours with great conversation, lots of laughter, cookie dough, cookies, and pretty feet at the end.



Lord, Thank you for the simple blessings of faith, hope, and love with the TLC of others. Here we are making our debut in a parade. Thank you, Lord.

I cannot believe We were on the radio

http://www.spiritcatholicradio.com/interviews/FOCUS.mp3

KVSS copied the interview and put it on their site. You can listen to the 30 minute show. So crazy. Remember it was real early, so yeah, just keep that in mind. I thank the Lord for the opporunity to spread His word to even a broader audience.

It was an EARLY start to be out the door by 6:30 AM, but I am grateful to have the opporunity to have been on the radio. I would not have imagined to have more excitement to my day.

I did! My mom and grandmother came to visit this afternoon. I am so blest! I know they love me. My day could not have gotten any better.

On the radio.

Surveys are well looking great. Four days of off and on surveys were a better response than most of us would have excepted. The courage and humilty to ask is one the biggest lessons I learned this week. What is the worst thing someone can tell you, No.

The UNO Catholic Campus Ministry site has been updated. http://www.unoccm.org There is also a little information on FOCUS on there, check it out.

For those that read this blog on a daily basis, I have some news for you. Around 7 am - 8 am central time, the Omaha team for FOCUS will be on the radio. You can hear us live on http://www.kvss.com Pray for us, and our words might be HIS words.

LESSON OF THE WEEK
-Pray. Even if you think you have prayed enough, pray some more.

In order to find people to join FOCUS on a new campus, we do surveys. I spent three and half hours or so today saying this...

Me: "Would like to take a quick survey for me?"
Them: "No, Thanks."

Lord, give us the strength to continue to bring others closer to Christ even if humility and negative energy is the result. It makes the Yeses even that more exciting.

Family...

"Man is made for community." I am not sure who said this quote, but it speaks many languages. No one wants to be alone, its a horrible feeling. The Catholic Church gives you not only that community man is made for, but also a family. I am so blest to have been welcomed into so many families. Yes, I have my parents who I would be no where without, but I have a new family of FOCUS and even closer family of my team here in UNO. We eat as a "family" it seems once a day. We cook, eat, laugh, and clean. It's a great routine and afterwards we just sit around and relax.

Find your community, cherish the good and the bad and live knowing every day is one step closer to heaven.

A few updates:

• KVSS.com - FOCUS team of UNO will be on the radio 7:00-8:00ish AM (CT)
• Road trips are a GREAT thing; nothing like driving more than being in your actual destination; yeah we are a little crazy.
• I bought my comfy chair!
• Our true outreach starts tomorrow, please say a few prayers.

A Story of Love and Courage

Today we had team bonding day. We postponed going to the Zoo and went to the movies. We went to see WTC (World Trade Center). You might be thinking, how much bonding can you have with a movie. This is not just a movie. This is a piece of HISTORY. I know I was crying the whole time and the two men on my team had tears in their eyes as well. I don't even remember crying this much with the movie The Passion.

Only 20 people were pulled from the rubble alive. Port Authority Police Sergeant John McLoughlin and Officer Will Jimeno were numbers 18 and 19. The story is not just based on two survivors, but rather the story of love and courage. These men touched my heart and many others.

In their website http://www.wtcmovie.com you can see interviews of the real men. I advise you to do this. I just finished listening to Will Jimeno and these are a few of his quotes. "Evil will never win." and "I never thought I would witness anything like 9/11, but when I stepped foot in the movie set, I felt I was standing there again."

I had never witnessed such an intense movie, this is reality. It is not a movie of vengeance or hate, but a movie of love, courage, and hope. What brought me to tears the most was a quote from Sergeant John McLoughlin when he saw his wife for the first time after his rescue, he spoke four beautiful words. I won't say them because I don't want to spoil the movie. But love does conquer all. 1 Corinthians 13 doesn't lie.

I advise you to take the Saturday and travel to your nearest movie theatre and watch WTC. Words cannot explain the love you will witness.

The meaning to the word YES

Today is the feast of the Assumption of Mary. On daily e-mails I receive from Saint of the Day states this, "In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God's holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverence her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness."

When I think of the word YES, I can only think of Mary. Everything she did and lived was done in greatness, humility, and reverence for her God. She brings Jesus to us because of her YES. I can only laugh and ponder about all missionaries in this world. Yes, as a FOCUS missionary, we had to make a YES to the will of the LORD and through reverence, we will become ourselves lowly handmaids of the Lord.

But there are many other Catholic missionaries who answered YES as well. Theresa Kerby, left today for a 9 month adventure to Belize. She will be teaching children in a country where many of us don't even know where it is located. She answered a YES and God's holiness is recognize and it will challenge, but rich and fruit will only explode.

Today let's celebrate all those YES either BIG or small. Give Thanks to Mary for her joyful example.

We have furniture

At a first year campus with FOCUS, you don't have any hand me down items. The first few days were just boxes and air mattresses. But now we have everything you need to make a place feel at home. It might still seem a little bare, but it's home.

I spent the weekend with the Ybarra Family in Lincoln, NE. My campus director took me home with him and I couldn't have felt more at "home." His family knows the meaning of the word hospitality. At times in a new town where you know a feel people, but everything is still the unknown to you, it was great to surround myself with some of "tender loving care."

Tonight, I pray especially for all those individuals who treat strangers with some love. It's through acts of love that people can truly experience the love of God in a small glimpse here on earth.

How are you spending your time?

This afternoon, I have had the whole day to myself. I couldn't help, but think how have I spent my time. Sitting and watching re-runs on television or reading books on lives of saints and our Lord. Will watching the same episode I have seen already truly benefit my life. The answer is NO. So next time you have a little free time, sit back and open a book. I now just have to save enough money to buy a comfy chair!!

At U.N.O. we don't have access to many things. So our team has applied to become undergraduate students, that way we have better access to students and have the perks of being a college student at U.N.O. I never would have imagined filling out a college application so soon, I forgot how expensive everything. It's no wonder people get in debt while in college. I think I am taking Yoga, we will see....

Holiness should be required

Wednesday morning I went to mass and the last lines of the homily still remain in my thoughts, "Holiness is not something anymore for the saints, but something that should be required in life."

I know as a missionary and an American, we find things such as food, gas, electricity, and so forth. We find things that bring us comfort as things that are required in life. Not to mention fame and glory. Does any of us stop and think...Maybe our spiritual well-being is one of the things that should be in our list. Our spiritual well-being should be required in order to live a comfortable life.

Keep my roommate in your prayers, her Grandmother gotten worse and she has had to go home.

Home is now Omaha!

I look around the room with half empty boxes, pillows and blankets on the floor and three amazing individuals. I have been blest to be part of a team with one great chemistry. We have laughter, good times, and tons of excitement. God must have known what He was doing when He placed the four of us here.

For those that do not know, I moved Saturday morning to the "Good Life" of Nebraska. Omaha has welcomed us greatly and I am so grateful to here. Omaha is excited to have us here and we are excited to be here.

We are still all in the stage of getting settled in and wondering what God has planned for us. But all those nerves doesn't stop the excitement in our hearts.

Even though we have a great apartment, the furniture is still on its way here slowly. My roommate and I do have a five gallon fish tank. Today I purchased three pets for us. Their names are Gianna, Vianney, and Joseph. Names of three great saints. Lord, as your assistance along with the saints named earlier, guide our souls to the faithful souls striving for your love.

Til next time, enjoy the life God has blessed you with.

St. John Vianney, Pray for us.

Recommending liturgical prayer, John Vianney would say, "Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that."

It was so good to be at mass again this morning. My car was in the shop for four days and I didn't have any form of transportation to take me. Yes, I would sit in my room and pray, but being in community with the Holy Eucharist in front of you gives you so much warmth. I thank you Lord, for this gift of Mass.

As for me, its the feast of St. John Vianney, who is the patron Saint that my team in Omaha has picked. He is such a role model. His feast day could not have come in a better time, I leave tomorrow morning. I pray for his graces to pour down upon this frighten little heart of mine. [sigh] The communion antiphon said it the best; Matthew 28:20, "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Lord, thank you for being with me and continue to do in the next few days especially.

Let's give thanks today for the community our Lord has placed us in and that we remember that prayer and guidance for eachother is the most perfect gift we can give one another.

Next time, I will be in Omaha...

What I am afraid of...

So far the thought of being a missionary who has been called to convert the hearts of so many brings joy. But along with these joys are many fears. Of course I have the fear, if I have enough many to pay all my bills. I mean come on, right now I have enough for rent, electricity, and health insurance. Yeah where will I eat, I am still figuring that one out.

The Gospel on Sunday read: John 6:9-11 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?" Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. "

WITH FAITH GOD WILL PROVIDE. I will have food to eat because the Lord knows me well. As the Lord gives thanks, let us give thanks for what we have. We have so much right in our own homes.

But what I am most afraid of is missing my parents. Let's face it, I have lived a great life. My parents would do anything for my well being. My parents not only love me, but they are in love with me. Everything that love is I have seen the eyes and heart of my parents. I am growing up and I am leaving the comfort they have provided me. As much as they don't understand me at least especially now, I cannot stop but loving them. Of course, I will miss them this is normal. But I don't want to leave them. My mother says, "You are killing us by leaving." I am breaking their hearts by leaving them again.

Lord, I ask your Sacred Heart to unite my heart and theirs to Yours. May our wounded hearts find comfort in Yours, so when true suffering hits, we all will be prepared. Instead of being afraid, I give you thanks Lord for my parents.

With perseverance all is possible.

Today, I had the great opporunity to talk to another fellow missionary on the phone. It's good to just sit and talk to someone who can relate as much as possible with what exactly fundraising is all about. She said to me today, "With perseverance all is possible. How can someone deny you if they truly knew how much you are impacting the future." Developing and enriching the minds of the youth is what we strive to do because these young people will become the future leaders of America. I know myself for one, want ethical, moral, and faithful citizens out there having control. As some of you know, FOCUS missionaries raise 100% of their own salary. Which includes food, rent, insurance, gas, and everything in between.

So I am now in the process as a first year missionary to develop a support team to go with me to Omaha and be my support while I am "out in the battle field." The college campus can be a dangerous place.

Let's take the Kansas City Royals for example in perseverance tonight. First inning, they committed three errors and had three runs with zero outs. I said, "Man this game is going to stink." I lacked faith and a steady perseverance in my Royals. With a few stolen bases, walks, 2 homeruns, we ended up with 12 hits and 7 runs to win the game 5-7. From the start when we down 3-0, I had given up.

Fundraising is like my good old Royals team. You have to have steady persistence and bang there will come a miracle from Heaven. Giving up is out of the question because you are doing the beautiful act of kindness, sharing to others gift of faith, love, and happiness.

Lord I ask you to give the graces to persevere and pray especially for the intentions of my Ministry Partners.

The world can be a better place...

Well, sometimes you can find real truth in comics. If we have the mindset that We can make a difference by our presence in this world that we CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. If there is one thing I have learned in the past few weeks is attitude. When you have the right attitude about anything you do in life, with the mindset of all this is for God than all is possible.

The world can be a better place with people with the right attitude.

I pray for more people to have the inner strength and confidence that they can make a difference. Our weakness is usually our biggest strength.

You just never know...

So you might be wondering what exactly does my life consist of since I am not at Omaha right now. Well, let me tell you what happenned to me today. I am up a little after 7 AM so I can eat breakfast with my parents and than head off to mass at my parish.

I have a key minister partner who absolutely loves what I am doing. She claims, "She is going to go and keep college students Catholic." That is how she introduces me to different people around the parish. With her help, I have put my face and name out there. Today, I was kneeling after mass to say a few prayers when an older gentleman came up to me and said, "Are you Jacqueline." "Yes I am, I replied." So there I was kneeling and he sat in the pew in front of me and began to talk to me. Eventually long story short he is now a monthly minister partner thanks to the help to my key person! She has also given me referrals that also have turned out to be my partners. It's a good life! Have faith and someone out there will believe in you. There are great people in this crazy world.

Holy Hour after mass couldn't be a better time for me. It's my way to disconnect with this world and become one in a spiritual sense with our Lord.

The rest of the day is up to me, with paperwork to do, postcards to mail out, and appointments with people to talk with passion about this great ministry. But most importantly it is dinner time with my parents each night. I am a very blest young lady.

Thank You Mother for Your Loving care. Hold close in your arms my FOCUS family, friends, and family.

So I am a FOCUS Missionary...

I decided to create this site to give me the oppporunity to reflect for the next two year about my activities as a FOCUS missionary, in the view point of a first years and in particular in Omaha, Nebraska. Plus it gives others a better opportunity to see what exactly I will be doing in Omaha.
To be honest, I have no idea what exactly is a FOCUS missionary. Everyday I learn something new about this wonderful humbling calling. Prayer each morning and night gives me the graces to love this job even more.

Pope Benedict XVI at his Inaugural Mass said this, "There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him." I find so much joy in speaking to others of my friendship with Him. There is great passion in this little heart of mine and I cannot wait! I am so humble that I do have the opporunity to know Him, so why not share Him? There are many who strive for some purpose in life. Well, they can find it in one simple way, to pray.

To you my brothers and sisters, I pray for you and I cannot wait to share with the stories of the life of a first year FOCUS missionary.