Ramblings

Posted on by Fr. Peter
This week began with a retreat/conference with the other fire chaplains in Massachusetts. This is an annual event and each year we have a different theme. This year was Faithful in Our Calling: “Serving Those Who Serve” It was a blessing to be able to get away and spend time with other chaplains and also to get some rest. We had different session during the time are were asked to write on different topics. One was prayer and our prayer life and how that translates into our ministry. I usually do not like these kinds of things, getting in touch with yourself, but this was a great exercise and I learned many things for others. One thing I learned is that I do not pray enough and I need to change that.
So back to the real world and the tasks that need to be completed around the church. I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning the house, doing laundry, grocery shopping and putting the air conditioners in the windows of the house. This weekend it is supposed to be in the 90’s so I hunker down in the a/c and wait for the temp to drop. I do not like the heat. Let’s hope I get to heaven!
Tomorrow we have liturgy here at 9am for the deceased members of the parish. Traditionally Orthodox Churches have a liturgy on the Saturday prior to Pentecost for the deceased. Ours will be a 9am and I believe that Brother Michael will be here. He is visiting from California and I think he is going to make his way to the village. It will be good to see him again.
Sunday liturgy as usual and then on Monday we all go to the cemetery for the blessing of graves. I like this little tradition that we have as it gives me a chance to speak with people about their loved ones that I did not know. So we walk around the cemetery, in full liturgical vestments, we need to figure a way to give them some a/c maybe NASA can help, anyway we walk around and bless the graves. Then I plan to veg for the rest of the day and enjoy memorial day. I usually try to get to the parade in town but I hear rain is coming so we will see.
I will try to catch up on the Podcast. I have one for last week and just need to finish editing it and put it up. Maybe I can get to that today.

St. David I, King of Scotland

Posted on by Fr. Peter

I missed this one yesterday.

Feastday: May 24

King of Scotland, the son of King Malcolm III and St. Margaret, born in 1084. He was sent to the English Norman court in 1093, and he married Matilda, the widow of the earl of Northhampton, becoming an English baron in 1113. David succeeded his brother, Alexander I, as the king of Scotland in 1124. Years of Struggle against King Stephen ended in 1139 when they made peace. David founded dio­ceses and monasteries in Scotland, instituted Norman law, started the office of chancellor, and conducted many charitable projects. He died in Carlisle, Scotland, May 24. He was never formally canonized.

From www.catholic.org

Russian Orthodox Reconciliation Hailed

Posted on by Fr. Peter
MOSCOW, MAY 24, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic archbishop of Moscow has applauded the reunification of the Russian Orthodox Church after an 80-year schism.

Interfax reported that Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, said in a letter to Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia: “The bridging of divisions between Christians always means triumph of a love that overcomes everything.

“It is an instance of direct obedience to the commandment of Christ, ‘That they may all be one’; it is a good example for all people who are divided, an example not only for Christians, and not only for believers.”

Archbishop Kondrusiewicz added: “The healing of the schism and the Eucharistic reunification of Orthodox Christians will have a deep peacemaking effect on the entire Russian society, on the hearts and minds of our compatriots living both in Russia and outside of it.”

The archbishop also said that the agreement, reuniting the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church and the New York-based Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, is a sign of hope for further dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Church.

ZE07052416

St. Cathan

Posted on by Fr. Peter

Missed this one yesterday.

St. Cathan
Feastday: May 17
6th or 7th century

Bishop of the isle of Bute, in Scotland, called Kil-Cathan in his honor. A tomb bearing his name was found near Londonderry, Ireland, but Scottish scholars claim his remains are at Kil-Cathan.

Some Random Thoughts

Posted on by Fr. Peter
This has been a very different week here in the Village. I worked most of the week at the Fire House working on a vehicle that should make my life a little easier as I try and get around getting to fires and such. Right now I use my own vehicle to respond to fires and other calls where the chaplain can be of use. However, my truck is not four wheel drive and is unable to get around in all weather. So, thanks to the military surplus program, the fire department was able to secure two Chevy Blazers. Thanks to some grant money we have the fund to get them ready for the road. My vehicle, the guys are already referring to it as “God Squad 1” will be used as a rehab truck. I will carry water, a tent, and some other items that will make their life a little easier while they fight fires. We hope to have it on the road in the next few weeks. All that is left is the red paint.
We had some interesting weather here this week also. On Wednesday we were under a tornado watch for a few hours. I have to say, and I think I have said this before, tornadoes freak me out. I have never been in one, but I can only imagine what it would be like. So I was a tad nervous. However the rain, wind, and lighting kept us busy at the fire house.
Yesterday I had jury duty. I have had jury duty before and never been able to serve on a jury because I was not picked. I thought this would be the time for sure. So off I went to the court house and hung around until 12:30pm and then… They let us all go. I was disappointed but maybe next time. Three years to wait.
This weekend will be busy. Tomorrow my nephew receives his first communion so I will be driving home to participate in that celebration. Back out here for Liturgy on Sunday, then back home for a meeting with the St. Andrew’s Society, then back out here for a meeting at the Fire House. Keep in mind it is about 130 miles round trip so that will be almost 400 miles in two days. Boy oh boy.
Next week is the annual retreat with the Fire Chaplains. This is always a restful time and this year we have added a day so from Monday afternoon until Wednesday night I will be away from the village. I am so looking forward to a little rest.
Neither Fr. Greg or myself were able to podcast this week, we hope to get back on track for next week. Just a reminder that you can subscribe to our podcasts by going to itunes. Both the Shepherd of Souls podcast and the Facing East podcast are available there.
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