STRANGER AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS

It was fun to try to take a photo that would give the same impression that I got when, yesterday, I innocently headed up the stairs to the storage area at church to put some items away.  I didn't really capture it, though, because it was a lot darker, and only when I got quite near the top of the stairs did that "statue" or whatever dreadful thing it is, sort-of loom out at me.  I gasped, because initially I just saw a face in the darkness.  And, it is an ugly specimen - not quite a religious statue, it is almost reminiscent of some sort of quasi-"inspirational" set-up in a department store.  I expect it is up there because it was a donation unsuitable for use in church, but which couldn't be rejected for some reason.   At any rate, it got my blood flowing!   

EASTER VIGIL

At 3 a.m., at the end of our Easter Vigil reception, all the centerpieces were lined up on the table.  They were pretty individually, but these were so lovely and the sight eased (somewhat) the throbbing pain in my legs and feet.  What a day!

SOAKING UP THE SON

This was the Lenten "family retreat" day that our Formation team organized.  In the photo Zhen is being wrapped up (like Lazarus) by one of the Iraqui ladies, and Sergei's godfather.  Only Anastasia and Zhen went, and I had to [just about] forcably remove Anastasia beccause she was getting that snide, brittle attitude she gets when threatened by "family" things.  The leader was having everyone write "special things about your family" on a flowerpot.  When I heard that I headed over to see how things were going, and (as expected) the direction was south, so I lured her into my office to "play computer" before she started telling everyone at the table that we don't feed her, or something.

CHURCY DAY

During each of the RE sessions I'm taking the fifth graders into the sacristy to show them the "things" we use at Mass.  Then, this afternoon there was a "Mass of Explanation". 

DINNER DANCE

The parish that we merged with has always had a big dinner/dance fundraiser, and I attendedme.  It is a university parish, hence all the "young folk"; I wish Craig had come.  I danced once with my secretary, but that wasn't enough!  I never get enough dancing.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-inspired form of religious education.  It is very spiritual, and the curriculum is based on Scripture and Liturgy.  I never cease to find it inspiring to watch the children in class.  The religious potential of children is extraordinary, as is their ability to concentrate and focus.  Why do we so often plan activities that presume children must always be moving?

In the CGS classroom (as in a good Montessori school) even children this age can be found to be deeply engaged.  These two had chosen to listen to the Bibl story about the Epiphany.  Although they can't read,they have the opportunity to find the actual passages in the Bible and they recognize the Bible as a Sacred book.  They can also "work" with the figures you see at the lower left....but these are presented as holy objects, to be used with respect, and it is lovely to see the children respond so wholeheartedly to this idea. 

EARLY SUNDAY MORNING

Why does 7 a.m. on Sunday morning seem SO much earlier than 7 a.m. any other day?  I've wondered this for years.   On Sunday morning I get to "sleep in" until 6!  Then it's off to the church to prepare for a twelve-hour work day.  This is what greets me,  and somehow, after having to get ready in a cold, dark house, followed by the cold, dark drive through mostly empty streets,  this dim hallway and unfriendly gate just illustrate how unwelcoming it all is!  The feeling I have about it all is so gloomy, that it was almost therapy to confront it by taking this photo!

After I get the gate open,  lights on, and doors unlocked, everything has begun to seem more "normal" and better.  Soon the catechists begin to arrive.  Happily, this year I have two volunteers for the 8:30 session who are so wonderfully cheerful and sunny that they get my day off to a much better start - after the first cold, difficult hour.  (And, in the spirit of this blog, I'll say - I am truly grateful for them.  I've told them so, too!)