7th novena: St Monica

7th novena: St Monica. March 30 through April 7.


Dear Saint Monica, once sorrowing mother of a wayward son, be pleased to present our petition to the Lord God of heaven and earth. (Pause to mention intentions.) Look down upon our anxieties and needs, and intercede for us, as you did so fervently for Augustine, your firstborn.


We have full confidence that your prayers will gain a favorable hearing in heaven. Mother of a sinner-turned saint; obtain for us patience, perseverance, and total trust in God's perfect timing. In His appointed hour, in His merciful way, may He respond to your prayer and ours, which we offer through you. Amen.


My intention:
in Thanksgiving for ALL that He has done in my life, and to beg for a financial miracle to erase my debt

6th Novena: St. Pio of Pietrelcina

6th novena: St Pio of Pietrelcina. March 21 through March 29.


Dear God, Thou hast generously blessed Thy servant, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, with the gifts of the Spirit. Thou hast marked his body with the five wounds of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness to the saving Passion and Death of Thy Son. Endowed with the gift of discernment, St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional for the salvation of souls. With reverence and intense devotion in the celebration of Mass, he invited countless men and women to a greater union with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.


Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, I confidently beseech Thee to grant me the grace of (mention your intentions here). Amen.

Recite three Glorias.

My intention:
in Thanksgiving for ALL that He has done in my life, and to beg for a financial miracle to erase my debt

Spring Retreat and Confirmation

one picture to sum up this weekend before I post on Tuesday.

This weekend was a gentle reminder that our God loves us emphatically and unconditionally.  We always will see each other in the Eucharist.  This is not the end, this is just the beginning.

to be willing and to participate

I realized I still hadn't shared my vocation story.  Well, at least in one blog posting.




My Vocation Story on video

What My Name Is

What My Name Is...Not!


So, there's been lots of discussion and questions as to what I'd like my name to be.


Two of my very close friends and spiritual director are the only ones who have guessed correctly.


I have people guessing all over the place.  In order for it to be correct, the name guessed has to include not only my name but also my title, all in correct order.


I can tell you this - it will not be Sr Veronica Marie of the Heart of Jesus.  We do not double up on names for it would extremely confusing.  There is already a Sr. Mary Veronica.


And, no, if you post the correct name in the comment box, I will not tell you if you are right or wrong. ;)


Its really interesting some of the names that the teens guess.  
My only hint is that it describes me through and through.


Some of the popular and less popular guesses have been:


Sr.  Maria of the Carotid Artery of Jesus
Sr. Kunegunda of the Holy Aorta of Jesus
Sr. Mary Jerome of the Crucifixion
Sr. Mary Augustine of St. Catherine
Sr. Mary Monica of St. Catherine
Sr. Mary Rachel of St. Catherine


It's an educational way to learn about monastic life.  


I am at peace knowing that Jesus is my one and only constant.  
Please pray for a very special intention.

5th Novena: St. Joseph

5th novena: St Joseph. March 12 through March 20.


O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus
all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request...
(State your request here.)


O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers
in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
Amen.


My intention:
in Thanksgiving for ALL that He has done in my life, and to beg for a financial miracle to erase my debt

About $5000 left to go...

The Confirmation season is upon me.  We have about a week and a half before Confirmation, and the teens are getting anxious.  They are ready!  And, they are counting down too.  Its a JOYful thing to listen to.  The excitement is here.

Rehearsal is Saturday and that means NET retreats.  And, that means a bit of stress.  Two lunches.  I've got it down to a science, but it still rattles my brain.  Because if I don't have enough volunteers, I can't get it done.

Oy.  I trust in God's providence.  And, I've got a list of volunteers.

As I've been paying down my debt and re-calculating and going on kbb.com to get an estimate of my minivan's value, all these scenarios keep playing out.  I really am trying to stay in the moment.  I really am.

But its hard to do when all I dream about is being in the monastery!

And, when I find out that I'm about $5000 away from being able to sell my minivan, it makes even more excited!!!!  That's incredibly close!

When the Confirmandi have received Confirmation on Sunday, March 18, I will have completed my last major youth ministry project.  After March 18, I will be able to do a lot of relational ministry, which I miss.  And, a few minor projects in the youth room that won't require a computer!!!  Yes, to sitting on couches.  And, to training people to take over the program.

God is so faithful beyond measure.  I know He will provide because He has done so, so generously. :)  Please keep praying with me for benefactors, if that is God's will, to help me pay off my debt sooner than I can.

Thank You for all of your prayers, dear readers.  Be assured of mine for you as well.  

Until we see each other in the Eucharist!!

To Jesus through Mary,

Deepa

4th Novena: Immaculate Heart of Mary

4th novena: Immaculate Heart of Mary. March 3 through March 11.


O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially ...(special intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.


My intention:
in Thanksgiving for ALL that He has done in my life, and to beg for a financial miracle to erase my debt