Archive for March, 2009
Entry for March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Thanks be to God! On March 25, the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Charleston were answered: we have a Bishop!
Robert Guglielmone was ordained as the thirteenth Bishop of Charleston in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
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Entry for March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
All Access!
This past weekend, I was at the White Oak Convention Center outside of Columbia, South Carolina. I was there for the 19th annual Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC). There were several hundred young people from throughout the state at the conference. Each was there to hear something about Jesus, draw close to Him, and learn about the “all access” pass that he offers to all people.
I was blessed to run two workshops at the conference, as well as to preside and preach at the closing Mass.
The Diocesan Youth Evangelization Team (the “E-Team”) did a superb job in peer mentoring and facilitating the conference. It’s been my great joy to serve this past year at the team’s chaplain. The team consists of about thirty high schoolers who serve and organize various events for their peers and the younger grades. They do an awesome job. It’s a blessing to see such shining witnesses to the Lord among the young Church of today.
It is in the youth and young adults of the Church that our renewal and reform is especially seen in all its diverse and creative expressions. There is cause for great hope (and joy).
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Entry for March 9, 2009
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Endless Glory!
One of my pastoral duties in the parish is to teach seventh grade religion at our Catholic school. It’s a great blessing. The young people are genuinely interested in knowing about God.
This year the overall theme is salvation history. We’re attempting to cover the vast panorama of God’s relationship and story with humanity. And, through this story, to emphasize points of God’s revelation and sacred doctrine.
Today, in class, we discussed the awesome story of Naomi and Ruth. Contained in the four brief chapters of the Book of Ruth, the story is one of touching fidelity and sacrificial love. It is also a reminder to us of God’s constant willingness to do something great through and in us. From Ruth’s lineage and love, of course, will come the great King David. And, from David, will come the long-awaited Messiah.
The story of salvation is each person’s own story. We see portions and parts of the story in us and in our own history. From the story, the Holy Spirit pours out his gifts. We see the workings of God and begin to understand his plan. In Ruth, we each see the Lord’s call to us, the constant invitation to love him and cling to him above all things. It can be difficult, but the Lord is with us.
To those who maybe aren’t familiar with Ruth, I would strongly recommend the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. To some who are familiar, I ‘d encourage a good re-read of this inspiring story.
Ruth stands out to each of us. She is a model and a witness, as well as an older sister in the Communion of Saints. We should seek to emulate her, as well as to seek her prayers and friendship.
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