"God Moves in a Mysterious Way"

I have said this a million times thinking it was scripture. Surprise! It’s not. While this is not scripture it is a paraphrase that says a lot about living with a person like my son Dan, who has special needs. Everyday the Holy Spirit is revealed to us in mysterious ways; like when my husband, Bill, at our first Samuel Ministry meeting, was so moved that he said he felt it was time for Dan to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; or when my prayers were answered and Terrie, Ronda and Barbara started the Samuel Ministry.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you things great beyond reach of your knowledge.

Bill laughingly said Dan couldn't be filled with anymore "Holy Spirit". Father Richard asked us if Dan knew if he would be receiving the Holy Spirit. Dan is non-verbal so we responded for him; "Yes he can." and "Yes he does." We eagerly waited for Dan's turn to go down the aisle to Bishop Kevin Vann. Dan looked at me and tried to explain to me in his excitement that something wonderful was going to happen and "Yes" he was ready to receive more, and all, of the Holy Spirit.

My wish, with the help of the Samuel Ministry, is for all of our children to be able to fully participate in the Sacraments and never deny that God moves in mysterious ways.

Colossians 2:2,3   That their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love; to have the richness of the fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Thank you to everyone involved with the beautiful day of Dan’s Confirmation; Mark, Sarah, Barbara and the wonderful choir. Thank you also to Terrie and Ronda who give of their time so unselfishly.  -Debbie

The Feast of the Assumption

The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place on August 15 and is the most important of Marian feasts and a holy day of obligation.  The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”  Catholic dogma leaves open the question of whether the Virgin Mary died before her assumption or whether she was assumed before death.  Both possibilities are allowed.  Fr. Thomas Onoda says “The catechism teaches us that God made us to love Him and serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.  Precisely, the Assumption of our Lady teaches us this truth.”  Fr. Onoda explains why this is so “because the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul with her full humanity and full human nature into Heaven.”  Fr. Onoda further explains that “this historical fact reminds us that our permanent abode is not upon Earth; it is in Heaven.”

We speak of Mary’s assumption, not ascension.  Christ ascended into heaven by his own power.  Mary was taken up to heaven by the power of God.  Dogma further tells us that Mary in heaven experiences the union of a glorified body and soul.  

Father William Doyle, S.J. felt the protection of Mary on this special feast day during a German shell attack in 1916.  He proclaimed to the young soldiers in battle after a harrowing attach that “You must not thank me, boys, don’t you know it is our Lady’s feast, and Mary had her mantle spread over us to save us from all harm?”

We hope that you will join us at Good Shepherd to celebrate this feast on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.

 

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Gearing up for Family Faith Formation

Middle Schoolers are the best age. They are just beginning to question many things that they never considered. It is THE time in a person's life that can secure the foundation of a life lived serving Christ. The good news is the Good Shepherd Student Life is dedicated to empowering youth to understand, fall in love with and live out their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture and Holy Mother Church. This combination is unstoppable. The BETTER news is that we now have EDGE. This is the curriculum for middle school from the ministry group called Life Teen. Check out their website. Yes, even if you are an adult! It will really lift you up. Yours in Christ - Larry

"Live like no one else, so you can later live like no one else" -Dave Ramsey

If you have ever heard of Dave Ramsey, one of his favorite quotes is “Live like no one else, so you can later live like no one else.” I rolled my eyes and heard, “Today, sacrifice SO much that you can have no fun living, so later, you will have enough money but be TOO old to enjoy it.”  Boy, was I wrong.  Dave Ramsey is a radio personality who, in his 20's, made millions buying and selling real estate.  Also, in his 20's, filed for bankruptcy.  So, why am I taking advise from this guy about money?  Dave took time to analyze his mistakes.  He interviewed lots of rich people and found common ground. Dave takes a spiritual approach, and uses common sense.  His baby steps are a discipline approach to saving, giving and living.  Dave found a way for people to manage money and to live debt free in an entertaining series that appeals to the nerds and the free spirits.

My husband and I have never been irresponsible about money.  But, if I ran the finances, we would NOT be in debt (all of the time), but we would be greeters at Walmart when we were 80 because we wouldn't have any retirement.  If my husband ran all the finances we would do NOTHING except work, eat in every night and, for fun, watch our savings grow.  Let's just say, we have had our fair share of money fights.  With Financial Peace University, a program started by Dave Ramsey, we can speak the same language about finances.  We are in control of our money.  We actually put a name to each dollar before it goes out that month.  We can give, save and still have fun!

This class is for everyone:  Single, old, married, and young (in any combination).  Whether you are about to declare bankruptcy, have millions in the bank, or just want to be able to talk with you significant other about money, this is the class for you!  -Kathy

DCYC was AMAZING!

This past weekend, 52 students and adults from Good Shepherd attended the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference DCYC.  After the weekend, the students were asked to reflect on three questions:

·         How did you fill before the weekend?

·         How did you fill after the weekend?

·         What part of the weekend makes you want to go back?

Read their amazing responses!

Desiree-

·       Before the weekend I felt:  so excited! I knew it would be a great fun and spiritually filled weekend!:D this was my 3rd year. I was too excited that I couldn't sleep the day before; Knowing that there is going to be singing and dancing just for the Lord!!

·       After the weekend I felt: soooo HOT!;) because last weekend... The speakers talked about their lives and how they were changed by God. The music we sang, helped me sing out loud even though I don't have such a great voice! And all the amazing dances and hand gestures we did to praise the Lord. Those all helped IGNITE my heart. It made me feel so much closer to the Lord!

·       The part of the weekend that makes me want to go back is: making new friends, the dance on Saturday night, the cool workshops, praising and worshiping the lord through the songs, and dancing the Catholic dance!! I also loved the feel of the soft beds and pillows. The speakers were also very inspirational!!!:) I remember thinking next year I should invite: some of my friends that love the Lord! And r interested to give up their weekend just to praise Him!  

Niccolo-

·       Before the weekend I felt: great but I also felt like I was missing something. A little more connection with God maybe?

·       After the weekend I felt: ON FIRE! Awesome and more connected with God like He is my best friend.

·       The part of the weekend that makes me want to go back is: The Key Note speakers were awesome, funny, but they send out a clear message. DJ Bill Lage is just as awesome and the music he plays is great! ~Niccolo

Ashton-

·       Before the weekend I felt: I felt that I had a great connection with Christ during Mass and WNL, but that connection seemed to slip away a little once I left church.

·        After the weekend I felt: I now feel that I have so many other Catholic youth to draw support from. I am so pumped to go out and spread the word of Christ because I learned the most from kids just like me while I was at DCYC.

·       The part of the weekend that makes me want to go back is: Everything! All I can remember thinking while I was at the convention is that I never wanted to leave. The speakers, friends, crazy dances, and everything in between were incredible.

Senior Campout 2012

It is mid-July in Texas with temperatures soaring to over 100 degrees in the shade and what do our seniors and recent high school grads agree to do?  Go on a campout!  Heat aside, the teens and adults had a great time.  They swam, played Frisbee, sang and had a great time getting to know one another better.  Here are a few quotes from the students that we thought we would share:

“It was incredible to see the bonds form so quickly and deeply between the upcoming seniors who will be the leaders of our youth program next year!  Their enthusiasm and openness was truly inspiring!”  Frances

“It was fun to smile all night long!” Matt

“The event gave me a whole new perspective of everything and everyone around me.”  Tyler

“It was wonderful to get to see the Holy Spirit working so strongly through our up and coming seniors!  They have a great desire to grow God’s Church, and a great willingness to form life- long friendships designed around expanding their faith.”   Johnny

Changed forever, but still love peanut butter and jelly.

After traveling to Honduras on the Mission Trip for Good Shepherd, I realized that although we live far from the mountains of the Trade School in Campamento, Honduras, we are close in spirit. We are more alike than different. They may prefer tortilla and mantaquilla to peanut butter and jelly but we are more similar than different.  Parents there want the same things that we parents want here in the US…to provide the best that we can for our children.

The kindness and generosity that the Hondurans showed us by a mere smile and hug would knock your socks off. It’s like no experience I have ever had. They have next to nothing and yet, they are smiling, singing, and clearly happy. They cling tightly to the Word of God, the blessings of the Mass and Eucharist (which in some remote locations in the mountains they receive only once a year with the visiting priest), the love of family and friends. It’s life at its most basic. The way it’s supposed to be. We should all look to our brothers and sisters in Honduras as an example. They have it right.

It is through the giving hearts of so many at Good Shepherd that Nelson Rodriguez is able to continue the work of educating the students at the Trade School. It is an inspiring place. One that will stay with me for the duration of my life.    ~Laurie