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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1270 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 01:15 am |
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| Our diocese will be ordaining six young men to the priesthood this coming Friday evening. They are having the mass in a convention center to hold all the people they are expecting. Two mornings later on Sunday, one of the new priests, who is from our parish, will celebrate Solemn Mass at our church. Afterward, there will be a reception where Father Cassabon will administer his first priestly blessings. We are often asked to pray for vocations to the priesthood because this office is so vital. I am thrilled that we have such an occasion, and we also have a young woman who is leaving the same Sunday to go to Nashville to become a postulant(?) with the Dominican Sisters there. I am wondering, how would any of you feel if your son or daughter came to you and said they are considering religious life? I know I have heard of people who were against it for their own children even though they were good catholics. I think I would be overjoyed. Like it would be a gift to God, giving my child to Him. Any thoughts?
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JasPax
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| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 214 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 10:41 am |
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Hello All,
For a very timely news article on this subject go to:
http://www.newsobserver.com
This made the front page. Click on the full story about Michael Burbeck and the related article about Fr. DeCandia and also the videos.
Note that both are converts.
Let's pray for more men like these two.
God's Blessings,
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1270 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 22nd, 2007 11:17 am |
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| Great article JasPax, the videos are highly recommended! How awesome would it be to have the privilege of consecrating the host, absolving sins, baptising, administering all those sacraments that are so life-giving to the rest of us. Awesome!
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1270 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 29th, 2007 03:08 pm |
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I have just come from the first Solemn Mass celebrated by our newly ordained Father Cassabon. I am totally awestruck by the beauty of it and the lengths our parish went to in order to make it so special. When I come down to earth I will give more details! Praise the Lord for vocations.
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Okay, I can talk now! Part of the initial attraction to the RCC for me was the beauty of the mass and the "rituals," not in a superficial way but because I think God appreciates our best efforts in worshipping Him through our prayers and music. Today we had the most awesome music, really over the top awesome, so good that when the organist finally stopped as people were still leaving, applause broke out. We had specially printed programs, eleven priests from out of town (one from Vatican City, one from Belgium) two deacons from out of state, people standing along the walls for two hours because there was not another seat available, and the new Father spoke and sang with the surest, clearest voice without hesitating once. We sang the Creed in Latin, along with the usual Sanctus. I feel so privileged to have been there. He is going to make a fine priest. Seeing this process of sending our young off to seminary and later having them return to celebrate mass and consecration for us, to change bread and wine into the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, brings the larger picture of our church into focus for me. As we were there during mass, at the same time in Nashville one of the Dominican Sisters who teaches in our school was taking her final vows. Then our pastor called to the front of the sanctuary a young woman from our parish who is leaving to go to Nashville to become a postulant there, he gave her a special blessing in front of the parishioners. It was a day that will be in my mind a long time. Again, I am so in love with the Catholic Church! I have had to learn to appreciate the quiet and simple beauty of the daily mass. Going there and participating in the basic elements of the sacrifice have been a form of daily nourishment. But wow, today was an absolute gift.
Last edited on Sun Jul 29th, 2007 05:19 pm by Credo Catholic
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1270 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Aug 29th, 2007 08:24 pm |
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Our parish has just posted this on their website:
http://stmarysgvl.org/whatsnew/video-of-the-first-solemn-mass-now-online
If you want to see what I'm always raving about this is it. Our usual solemn mass is slightly less crowded, elbow to elbow but not people standing along the walls, but the mass is pretty much the same, including the music. We usually have two priests, not eleven! I hope someone enjoys it.
Also, if anyone reading this has not ever attended a catholic mass and would like to see one, this is a complete mass and is divided into several parts so you can see each part separately.
Last edited on Wed Aug 29th, 2007 09:16 pm by Credo Catholic
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 868 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Thu Aug 30th, 2007 11:28 pm |
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Marsha,
I just finished watching the video of the solemn Mass from St. Mary's. It was beautiful beyond words. To be honest, I don't think I have ever been to a Mass like that, with such reverence and awe. I noticed that many people were kneeling to take the Holy Eucharist. Also, I noticed that both bread and wine were offered at Communion. Is that always the case with your parish? One thing that troubles me is that I've never been to a Mass that offers both bread and wine at Communion on Sunday. I've noticed that both elements are offered during weekday morning Mass, and wish that this was the case on Sunday as well.
Anyway, you are blessed to be part of such a parish.
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Tina in Ashburn
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| Joined: | Mon May 21st, 2007 |
| Location: | Ashburn, Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Tina | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Roman Catholic, Ukranian Catholic, presently practicing as Roman Latin ... |
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Posted: Thu Aug 30th, 2007 11:55 pm |
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Marsha, thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. Your description really brings out the indescribable beauty and mystery of ordination.
Darlene, why does it trouble you that you've never been to a Mass offering both species at Communion? BTW I just learned on another post by japhy that the Cup is not offered to large congregations so that's why you haven't observed it on Sundays.
____________________
Tina
Arlington Diocese
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BettyBoopToo
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| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 12:42 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: Our parish has just posted this on their website:
http://stmarysgvl.org/whatsnew/video-of-the-first-solemn-mass-now-online
If you want to see what I'm always raving about this is it. Our usual solemn mass is slightly less crowded, elbow to elbow but not people standing along the walls, but the mass is pretty much the same, including the music. We usually have two priests, not eleven! I hope someone enjoys it.
Also, if anyone reading this has not ever attended a catholic mass and would like to see one, this is a complete mass and is divided into several parts so you can see each part separately.
OOOOHHHHH! My, Marsha that was a blessing just to see the pictures.
What a beautiful parish. Your tabernacle is certainly fit for a king
The picture that shows the front of your church with the alter in the middle, tabernacle behind, the two statues at the side looks very much like my church. The stain glassed window behind the alter is very lovely. Your stained glass windows are beautiful ones. I loved the one that looks like its at the side of the front part of the church that shows the crusifixin on it.
That was very special and appeared to be a packed house. You & your fellow parishners should be very proud to have a priestly vocation happen in your midsts. And sister too.
Our young lady that left for Texas last year to become a nun, just had her celebration and received her habit a few weeks ago. Father & His friend Father C went and was the celebrating priest for (whatever it's called? I forgot) I thought that was wonderful for her to have her father from her home parish come and celebrate mass for her. We have several young men that help father everyday and I've been praying that we may find some vocations come out of them.
I noticed that both bread and wine were offered at Communion. Is that always the case with your parish? One thing that troubles me is that I've never been to a Mass that offers both bread and wine at Communion on Sunday. I've noticed that both elements are offered during weekday morning Mass, and wish that this was the case on Sunday as well.
Our parish nearly always has both bread & wine, I only foundout from the forum that they don't do that everywhere. once in a while father does not have both(that's normally when he does not have the assistance) or sometimes if we have a visiting priest he only has the bread for us. But for me personally, I do really rather both. I understand that it does not matter what size or how much that you still get the same amount of our lord even if you only get one, the other or even a tiny crumb. But I think that it seems more complete or that it's just like in the bible. I don't know, I just enjoy the way father does it.
Thank you Marsha for sharing your wonderful experience with us. I love masses with all the bells, incense, and all the beautiful liturgy on high. I wish I could have joined you
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 679 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 01:04 am |
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Our parish was blessed for a short time by a visiting priest from the Philippines. He pointed out that in his very poor parish which has hundreds of people that providing even a sip of wine for each one would cost more than comes in in the offering each week.
Just one piece of info to add to the puzzle...
Jill
____________________
"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! You know me right well; my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth." Psalm 139
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Credo Catholic
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| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 01:25 am |
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Thank you all for sharing how you liked the video. I can't stop watching it! I know that we used to always have the Body and the Blood of Christ offered, but when Pope Benedict withdrew an indult(?) that allowed extraordinary ministers to assist with cleansing the vessels, our pastor stopped offering the Precious Blood. What you see on the video was because we had so many priests and deacons on hand to be able to do it properly. The large stained glass window with the crucifix in the middle is what I normally focus on when saying my rosary, if my eyes are open!
Darlene, I know how you want to partake of the Precious Body and Blood, especially when it is new to you and you want All Of Everything You Can Get pertaining to the mass! It does say in the scriptures "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." I'm sure our pastor would offer it if he felt like he could. He is very strict about doing what he thinks is right. Also, one of our religious sisters and one of our deacons have celiac disease which prevents them from partaking of the host, so they always receive from the chalice. Whatever form you receive, you are receiving the complete Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Also, the reverence and awe are always there and that's what drew me in. I thought this is serious worship, and I wanted to seriously worship my Lord. I thank our pastor for upholding the standards of the mass, and making it always, every Sunday, a beautiful time of sharing ourselves with Christ.
Betty, isn't it a wonderful feeling to send one of your young people off to take vows and become priests or religious? You feel sort of like a parent to them. I didn't even know Michael personally, he had already left for seminary in Rome when I joined the church. But I feel proud for his parents and for the parish. Proud in a good way!
Last edited on Fri Aug 31st, 2007 01:31 am by Credo Catholic
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BettyBoopToo
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| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 03:59 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: I am wondering, how would any of you feel if your son or daughter came to you and said they are considering religious life? I know I have heard of people who were against it for their own children even though they were good catholics. I think I would be overjoyed. Like it would be a gift to God, giving my child to Him. Any thoughts?
Sorry Marsha, I forgot about this question.
I would just be elated if my son were to tell me he was going to become a priest.
It would be a huge sacrafice as now that his brother is gone, he is the only boy to continue the family name and this is very important to my inlaws. But they too would support him in becoming a priest too. (They are catholic also) I think my MIL would probably burst her buttons, she'd be so proud.
He told me a few years ago after attending mass with me that "Fathers job does not make much money, He's had to sacrafice so much, no family, kids or anything. but I believe that his job is the most important job in the world." Considering my son is not yet Catholic and he also was only 16 at the time he said this.
I also think that since he's my only child now, I may go through some quiet selfish grief at the knowledge that I'd never have grandchildren. But I would support him in any legitimate vocation that he aspires to do any time. (He's going to be a pharmacist) so right now, I'm just praying that he and his young lady friend will hang in there for both of them to finish school and then they can get married. He did ask me awile back if there was anything inappropriate or would embarrass his grandparents if he were to get married before finishing college, as he's concerned he cannot wait for another 6 yrs. So I'm praying the kids just get done with school the best they can. they are very good kids and we love his G-friend too.
Having a priest in the family would be a sacrafice for all, but it would be an incredible honor also.
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Kayla
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| Joined: | Mon Jul 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | Emmitsburg, Maryland USA |
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| First Name: | Kayla | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Atheist, kind-of Mormon, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 09:50 am |
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I'd be interested in how my parents would respond...
I've already decided that my brother is going to be a priest. He's not Catholic- yet- but I'm working on that one. He's going to become Catholic and then, I know this will follow, it makes perfect sense for who he is, he will be a priest.
I am still open to the possibility of religious life, but I haven't much a clue of what direction I'm going in.
____________________
I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust in You!
There's not a lot of job security for us after death. I suppose that's one advantage of being a philosopher. - Peter Kreeft
http://kayla23mount.blogspot.com/
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 10:00 am |
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| We will begin conspiracy prayer for your brother! He will never know what happened to him! Just keep us posted on when his ordination is. Now you have to wonder, are we praying for a religious life for you?
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JasPax
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| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 12:18 pm |
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Hello:
While you are shooting up all those prayers, say one for my #1 grandson also.
Michael is a H.S. Sr. Interests are girls, football, girls guitar, girls; not necessarily in that order. Grades are good, somehow, but not ranked very high on his interest scale. Congenial, good with people; especially old folks.
I've told him he would make a great priest - and then I get that look! He's at Mass every Sunday only because that's a house rule. He doesn't know about my prayers for his vocation. My daughter says the 4th grader is more likely to head in that direction. Maybe both of them. Thanks for your prayers!
God's Blessings,
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Fri Aug 31st, 2007 06:44 pm |
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| It's a done deal! Prayers for vocations are so important. I will remember Michael, and the 4th grader!
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Racaela Fultz
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| Location: | Indiana USA |
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Posted: Sat Sep 1st, 2007 02:19 pm |
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Aaa! Kayla! How is it that we've both ended up doing the same thing here? I, too, am praying for the vocation of my non-Catholic little brother! He's 13, and I'm sure he'd make an AMAZING priest, so, I've been praying for that for weeks. See, he loves children and he loves showing off his magic tricks - it's adorable. Anyway, a month or so ago I read a biography of St. John Bosco, and oh. my. goodness. He reminds me SO MUCH of my brother Josiah! So, I've also been asking St. John Bosco to pray for my brother. And this seems hopeless because he's not Catholic and my parents are freaking out over my probable conversion enough without having to deal with another. But...I'm still praying.
____________________
"To be deep in history is to cease to be protestant" - Cardinal Newman
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heardclarke
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| Joined: | Mon Apr 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Lisa | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Episcopalian; confirmed RC Easter 2005 |
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Posted: Thu Sep 13th, 2007 11:29 pm |
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It seems to be hard for some parents to accept that their child will be making such a sacrifice and that their life's work will be an object of scorn for many people (albeit a source of inspiration for many also!)
We have a young friend who is almost ready to enter seminary--most of the "process" is done now. His mom, who isn't Catholic, has had a hard time accepting this. Watching him prepare and talking things over has been a real learning experience for us. He asked me the same question about our own son, who is 7 years old. To be perfectly honest, I did have to stop and think. I'm not that fixated on grandkids or anything. It's just that I think how impossible it seems for my child to develop that kind of discipline....how impossible it would be for me to do it.
I would be so very proud of him, though. We feel the same way about our friend, too. It's just so amazing to see such faith and love for the Church in action. I have made up my mind to support and encourage both my kids no matter what they choose to do when they grow up, as long as it's good honest work.
____________________
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Fri Sep 14th, 2007 01:27 am |
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| I know I would be proud of my child if he or she decided to enter religious life. Even I sometimes look at the sisters at church and am a little envious that they get to wear a habit, such an obvious statement about their faith and dedication. I think, well I'd be a better Christian or a better catholic if I could wear a habit! But then I know I don't have a third of what it takes to live that life. I have trouble just sticking with my penance during Lent.
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LOVECC
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| Joined: | Fri Dec 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Lisa | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Dec 28th, 2007 12:57 pm |
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I am proud to report that my brother was ordained into the Holy Priesthood this past June for the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. He always jokes that we (his family) new of his calling before he did. He is an amazing man and I am so proud of him. The Catholic Church is blessed to have him. He has such a zeal for the faith. His homilies are AMAZING and he takes his calling so seriously. He is finishing up his advanced degree at his seminary in Washington DC. Please pray for him as he is working on his thesis.
He has had the luxury of being able to visit us often since he has not yet been assigned to a parish. It is so amazing when he says Mass in our home knowing that Jesus is physically present, even though I find myself apologizing to Jesus for the mess (crayons from the kids on the floor, dust, etc.).
I know that once he is done with his schooling, I probably won't be able to see him as much as he will be in North Carolina and we are up in Ohio.
Please keep him in your prayers as I know that priests need all the help they can get. His name is Fr. Richard DeClue. I also have an uncle (Fr. Anthony Dinovo) who is a priest for the Columbus, OH diocese. Please keep him in your prayers as well.
In Him,
Lisa
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Sun Dec 30th, 2007 03:41 pm |
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| Dear Lisa, thank you for giving us the names of your brother and uncle who are priests. We will pray for them as we do for our own. They need so much help, and prayers for strength. God bless
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LOVECC
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| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
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Posted: Sun Dec 30th, 2007 04:41 pm |
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Thank you, Marsha.
I see you are from Greenville, SC. My parents live in the Spartanburg area - not too far from your neck of the woods.
Thanks again for prayers!
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