On the Level with HandyGramps

As I've mentioned before, HandyGramps is a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. He was ordained in January of 1982. (Answers to some frequently asked questions about deacons can be found HERE, at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.)

For several months before The Revised Roman Missal went in effect (the First Sunday of Advent 2011), HandyGramps ran a series of articles in his church's monthly newsletter, explaining the changes. He also allowed me to run it here on my blog. (If you click on "Revised Roman Missal" under "LABELS" in my sidebar, you can find the complete series.) 

Over the years, HandyGramps has written various articles which may be of interest to some of my readers. With his permission, I will occasionally share some of them here on my blog. Some are in answer to questions about the Catholic Church & Her teachings, including...

* What is the Difference Between the Protestant & Catholic Versions of the Ten Commandments?
* Why Did the Catholic Church Add Seven Books to the Bible?

One piece we will share is a paper he had written for a college course he took in 1989. This paper is a reflection on Grace written as a conversation w/ his "other self".

I hope & pray you will find his information helpful, no matter what stage your walk of faith is in currently.  

So stay tuned...next Tuesday, I will share the first one about the Ten Commandments. 

Light in the Darkness

Welcome to my Light in the Darkness meme! (If you missed my post on the inspiration for this meme, you can read all about it HERE.)

This is the place to share good things that are happening in our world...whether it's a link to a news article/video, something from your personal experience...anything good that can bring light into darkness!

Luka is a 12 year old boy with Muscular Dystrophy.  Because of his condition, there are sports & activities he will never be able to participate in. Photographer Matej Peljhan held a photo session, putting Luka in some fun sporting positions. Check out these great photos:

Luka's Photos

Deo Gratias!

 "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart

Colleen, from her inspiring blog Thoughts on Grace, hosts this wonderful meme each Wednesday. She says, "Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God. Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big & small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude!"

Each week, I join Colleen in remembering & sharing the many blessings in my life. This is such a great exercise for me, helping me to focus on the good that truly is happening in my life, no matter how many trials & stresses I may have. 

1) The Archangel turned "10" last week. We've had a lot of issues w/ him over the years & things are still not perfect, but I am so thankful & proud of the young man he's becoming. He's always full of surprises for us! Deo Gratias!

2) Last Friday night, we had a birthday party for The Archangel & his friends. I am so pleased that he has some very polite & well-mannered friends. Deo Gratias!

3) On Sunday, after Mass, instead of making our usual Kroger trip, we stayed at church while the older Blessings were in PSR. Matt kept an eye on The Saint & let me have some time alone in front of the Tabernacle w/ our Lord. Deo Gratias!

4) Last week, I ordered a bundle of books from Catholic Answers shop. For $15, I got $98 worth of books on apologetics, the Mass, & a Bible study. (You know I just LOVE books, right?!?) Deo Gratias!

5) Our yard has many patches where grass has been torn up &/or completely gone, creating paths circling the house, because the Blessings & their friends are always running around. Why am I thankful for this? It means my Blessings are safe here at home & within my sight when they're outside. And, I can keep an eye on who they're playing with. There will be a time someday when we will keep the lawn nice & neat, but in the meantime...we are raising children, not grass! Deo Gratias!