Friar Tuc: The Ministry

Bulletin for 4th Sunday Ordinary Time

2012-01-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Here is our weekly bulletin to keep up with parish things. Also, find in there helpful prayers to assist your prayers throughout the week :)

Pope Benedict on World Communication Day

2012-01-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Pope Benedict released his message for World Communication Day. It is amazing as is everything he says and writes :)

You have to read it for yourself but here is my summation.

Silence is integral in communication. People today often believe that to communicate with someone is to say as many words as quickly as possible. With the internet and television we are bombarded with words and images. Basically, communication slowly begins to lose its meaning and relationships fall apart because silence is lost. We need time to reflect, not only on the words, but the person who is saying them.

Thank you Pope Benedict for your ever poignant truth!

My February goal is to reflect more and to spend more time in silence with the people that I truly love.

Bulletin 3rd Sunday Ordinary

2012-01-23T20:53:00.004-07:00

Christian Unity Week!

Bulletin aqui!

Bulletin 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

2012-01-15T14:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to Ordinary time :)

Find the Bulletin here

Church every Sunday?

2012-01-14T21:18:00.004-07:00

Yes!

Find out why!

Epiphany Bulletin

2012-01-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Epiphany bulletin is up. January the 8th for St. Michael parish.

See you tonight for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord!

Merry Happy!

2011-12-31T16:40:00.001-07:00

So have you insulted anyone this Christmas with your lack of political correctness?

Merry Happy!

Check this out!

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.

Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

"A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more." Matthew 2: 16-18

Today we are three days after the birth of Christ. We pray for so much. For life. For children. For those who suffer. Why did God allow the massacre of so many innocents? Was it to reveal His glory? What a cruel God!

Humanity can choose such atrocious evil. Rachel weeped at such an injustice! Are we weeping for the destruction done to our children? I am not just speaking of abortion but of all the social, corporate and community evils inflicted on people. Does this pathos inspire us to action or do we live out of sight out of mind?

St. Michael Christmas and New Years Bulletin

2011-12-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

And here be our Bulletin for the Nativity of Our Lord and Mary Mother of God! Christmas and New Years...

Christmas Mass in Prince Albert 2011

2011-12-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

MASS TIMES DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Sacred Heart Cathedral Christmas Eve - 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. (French), 12:00 a.m.
Christmas Day - 11:00 a.m.
New Year’s Day - 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (French), 11:00 a.m.

St. George Ukrainian Catholic Christmas Eve - 8:30 p.m.
Compline followed by Divine Liturgy New Year’s Day - 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

St. Joseph Parish Christmas Eve - 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 12:00 a.m.
Christmas Day - 10:30 a.m.
New Year’s Eve - 5:30 p.m.

St. Mark Parish Christmas Eve - 10:00 p.m.
Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.
New Year’s Day - 10:00 a.m. St.

St. Michael Parish Christmas Eve - 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Day - 9:30 a.m.
New Year’s Day - 9:30 a.m

O Antiphons

2011-12-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

The O Antiphons are a very wonderful traditional part of Advent. They are praises of Christ in his many names.O Come O Key of David!

Online Bulletin!

2011-12-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

The St. Michael bulletin is now online! Yay!Check it out here!I hope to upload it every Sunday or something.God bless and happy Advent!

4th Commandment!

2011-12-15T18:55:00.003-07:00

School and parish confessions done! If anyone missed out I am always available 24/7, like fer serious. People have been asking about the 4th commandment, honour thy father and mother. What if they don't deserve to be honoured. Here is a good answer!Bustedhalo.com

Christmas is for Family

2011-12-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

My adorable sisters and nephew

Advent like things

2011-12-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to feel alot like Advent! Hope your time of waiting has taught patience and not rush, love and not war, peace and not stress!Here is a fun Advent Calendar I discovered if you are not already using one. It is never too late!Advent CalendarAlso, if you are not done your Christmas shopping, check this out!Uncommon Goods

New Translation

2011-10-17T05:41:00.000-06:00

If you would like to see a two page print out of the people's parts of the new translation of the Roman Missal, it is available here.

http://christtheking.diocesessm.org/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Peoples%20Part%20web.pdf

Not all the changes are available on this particular card but it gives you a good idea. For example, I personally will not be using that Penitential Act found on the above card, as there are two options. The pew cards that we will be receiving at St. Michael Parish will have both options. The Gloria will be sung, so it will be just like learning a new song. The big changes are the Apostles Creed and the Ecce Agnus Dei.

In the Apostles Creed we are asked now to say the word Hell. This is going to require parents to explain to their children why we get to swear in church. It may also require us to understand the difference between dead and hell. Jesus did not merely die for us; he descended into hell. The difference is that he went through hell for us! He experienced a distance from His Father that I pray none of us have to. And, even when he was in the depths of hate, he preached the love of God to those most distant and invited them to choose life.

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Two new words, roof and soul. The basic reason for the new translation here is to be more faithful to scripture. Matthew 8:5-13 tells the story of a Roman, who, according to Jesus, had more faith than many of God's chosen. He wanted healing for his servant but recognized that he was not worthy to have Jesus come to his house. The difference between receive and enter under my roof is not minor. Reception is an individual experience, where entering under a roof is into a house, a home. It is an invitation for Christ to enter into our families. Salvation is not individual but is found in families, both domestic and church. It is in our homes that He heals us but not only physically; rather, Christ wants to heal our souls. Again, this echoes the sentiments of et cum spiritu tuo, and with your spirit. When our soul is healed, so too are we.

Bob Dylan

2011-10-16T14:06:00.000-06:00

I'm just experimenting with uploading music files. Fr. Darryl has been helping me out! When you download this it should be alot easier. This is the actual Bob Dylan version of the song I tried to sing. Now I just need to record my homilies so that Devin doesn't have to come to Mass Sunday's.Here's the song, "I don't believe you"*edit - For copyright reasons this song has been removed. You can Youtube it here

Embarrasing

2011-10-16T00:06:00.003-06:00

I was really bored and recorded this for your laughterEnjoyBob Dylan

2011-10-06T16:54:00.001-06:00

It was good to have the Bishop come with us to WYD Madrid. He was always inspiring and fun to have around. We celebrated Sunday Mass on a cruise ship. The Gospel that Sunday was ironically the calming of the storm. Some people needed to hear that because they were afraid of being on the ship. The greatest message, however, was from the first reading. Where is God? He is in the silence. When we are afraid or caught up in the turbulence of the rough seas of life, God whispers in our ears. If we seek out the silence, we find rest and peace.Fr. Maurice was great as well. Life is always great for him. He is the only person I know who can fly half way across the world to meet the Pope and, when you ask him his most memorable story will say, "We were the number 1 bathroom cleaning team!"Thinking of going to Brazil?

WYD Madrid

2011-10-05T18:25:00.002-06:00

St. Michael Parish, Daniel, Pilgrim Matt and I, in front of the Vatican. Good times had by all.

Easter Vigil Pic

2011-05-02T10:47:00.003-06:00

This pic comes from the Easter Vigil with the Sisters of Presentation.

Why do I look like I want to burn something?!

Christ has won

2011-04-22T23:26:00.002-06:00

Christ has won us the victory of life over death; of consolation over struggle. We put our trust in God to overcome anything we are troubled with. We commit ourself to a God who does everything for us!

O God, help me give my life to you.

Lenten evaluations

2011-04-15T20:06:00.002-06:00

I am supposed to be working but I'm not. As you can tell from the post below. So I will continue to procrastinate.

I would love to hear some Lenten testimonies. What did you give up for Lent? Did it work? How was God involved in your Lent?

Here is my experience in short.

My goal was to spend my evenings a bit better. My day is always good. It usually begins with prayer, I eat mostly well, work hard, enjoy life. My evenings however were beginning to fall apart. I usually get back home at about 9:30pm and I'm tired. Instead of ending the evening with relaxation and quiet, I have been ending it by wasting alot of time. Useless things such as video games get in the way of me ending my day peacefully with God. Now there is nothing wrong with video games, but they are getting in the way of my peace. So Lent. I didn't give up, but reduced the amount of gaming I did. Looking back, I noticed that the weeks where I gamed only 3-4 nights, I found that my reading, praying, and rest increased. Again, I did not give up games but worked on moderating it. Recently, God has been giving me the experience that, when I fail and play on an off night, it has been horrible, frustrating experiences of loss.

Thank you God for shining through my weakness!

Has he shone through yours?

Fasting from the internet

2011-04-15T18:51:00.003-06:00

This is the story of my Lent :D

Satisfaction of the Living Waters

2011-03-29T14:38:00.004-06:00

This short reflection is based on the lectionary readings from last Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Lent.

When the Ancient Israelites wandered in the desert, they complained about and too their leader Moses. They were in dire straights in slavery, God freed them, and yet they complained.

Continuing upon the theme of our baptism, we recognize that these living waters call us to respond to our vocation, our call from God. The Israelites, through Moses, responded to God's call, and then complained that it was not as they thought. The grass was always greener, and God's people felt cheated, betrayed.

We too complain about our religion, our country, our family. If God would just leave it up to us, we could fix things!

Enter the woman of Samaria.

She represents everything undesirable: her religion and politics were wrong. She was morally weak, and to cap it all off, she was a woman. Jesus doesn't complain about her, rather, offers her living water, his Holy Spirit!

Jesus takes people from all different areas and unites them through the power of the Holy Spirit; rather than becoming a leader of a political group, Jesus is a priest, prophet, and king, determined to come as a servant.

Partisan politics have no place in the Kingdom of God. That said, as Christians we have every duty to vote, to serve our country. We do this positively and enthusiastically, not complaining about all the other parties, leaders, etc. Imagine what Canada could do if we united as one people. Not a people that agrees on everything, but a nation that doesn't let disagreement get in the way of cooperation. If the three major parties (and much of Canada) could get past attack adds and quit complaining about everything, what a difference we could make. \

Therefore, let us stop wishing and praying for a society that agrees with everything we believe. Let us not ask God to fulfill our every desire. Rather, let us ask God for the grace to be satisfied with what we have.

Hot Cup of Ministry

2011-03-22T00:04:00.002-06:00

So friends of mine just started up a new ministry podcast, featured below!

http://hotcupofministry.ca

And guess who is a guest this week? Yep, yours truly!

God bless!

1st Sunday of Lent

2011-03-12T09:28:00.002-07:00

“You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him.” (cf. Col 2: 12)

Pope Benedict XVI has chosen the sacrament of baptism as this years Lenten theme. "Baptism is not a rite from the past, but the encounter with Christ, which informs the entire existence of the baptized imparting divine life and calling for sincere conversion; initiated and supported by grace it permits the baptized to reach the adult stature of Christ."

Water is a theme then that will flow through the entire season this year; water that cleanses us, refreshes us and quenches our thirst. In this first Sunday of Lent, Jesus has just been baptized in these life giving waters. From there he is driven into the dry, desert, wilderness for forty days, after which he, of course, is famished - and probably very thirsty.

This forty day dry desert fast of Lent allows us to thirst for God. We must relearn to yearn for the life giving waters of the Holy Spirit. Because our desert is difficult we try to get our water from other sources: tv, work, etc. This is why we fast during Lent, to make room for God. Fasting uncovers our weakness and sinfulness. Unlike Adam and Eve we must not feel shame, rather allow God to transform our weakness and our sinfullness, washing them clean in the Holy waters of baptism. God's compassion is greater than any of our struggles. God's waters have more life to offer than anything we can find in this world.

With the natural devestations happening around the world all the time, most recently in New Zealand and Japan, we must realize how fragile our earthly kingdoms are. Let us invest then in a much more stable kingdom, that which we find in the presence of God.

CBC Open Comments

2011-03-10T19:14:00.003-07:00

For a long time now I have been getting my news from http://www.cbc.ca/. I really don't like the biased stance they take but at least I hear about what is going on. What I don't like, in fact bordering abhor, is the comment section. Why are we giving a bunch of morons free reign on a National website! It makes all of us look stupid. Here is the latest moronic comment I read. The context of this comment is against Stephen Harper getting into power. Stephen Harper is the quoted westerner; he is from Calgary.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2011-01-17T21:19:00.003-07:00

Tuesday, January 18th marks the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, ending next week, on January 25th, with the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. I recently read a couple of articles that I thought were interesting.

Did you know that the original idea for a week of prayer for Christian unity was begun in 1908 by an American Episcopalian priest, Paul Wattson. His idea was the return of the seperated churches to Rome; a year later he joined the Catholic church.

In the 30's, it took on a new focus with a French Catholic priest named Paul Couturier. He proposed that the prayer be for "unity that Christ wills, as he wills, and when he wills" (available from; www.weekofprayer2008.org/about-history.html).

In the diocese, St. Alban's Cathedral is hosting a Ecumenical prayer service on January 23rd at 7pm.

Let us come together to do as God wills instead of giving the world yet another reason not to become Christian.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-23T13:29:00.003-07:00

Greetings and Peace!

I thought I would take this opportunity to write to you a Christmas letter. Something I have never really done in my 10 years of adulthood. I am finally feeling a bit settled in life as I finally finished 8 short years of seminary, and survived my first year of priesthood.

Settled is an interesting word, however, as one would think that it carries with it the connotation that I would be living in the same place for more than a year. Nope, I moved again in November, leaving Fr. Matthew who gave me wonderful support during my first year of ordination, putting up with an imensity of all my sins and foibles! Thank you Father!

This year has seen many joys and struggles both in my ministerial life and my personal life. Lent was a wonderful time of growth, but Easter was not. In fact, Easter till Advent came with alot of struggles with prayer, routine, etc. Finally, after this struggle, I am beginning to feel whole again this advent!

This summer I was able to get away for awhile, taking in wine tasting, whitewater rafting, camping, mountain biking, as well as a lot of great reconnections with friends! I was also able to concelebrate at the ordinations of Deacon Geoffery Young and, most recently, Father Roger Rouleau. Further, I was able to witness the marriages of some friends of mine, Dave and Nicole and Chris and Katarina! Blessings to all of you as you begin a new chapter of your lives!

September was back to the grind and, doing things for a second time, I felt I was fitting in more. I had hopes of being more proactive than reactive, but you can't spell proactive without procrastinate. And if you think that last sentence makes no sense, stay tuned for my Christmas homily!

Advent has been a blessing. From the get go the Lord placed many things in my life to show me his presence. It has left me genuinly reflecting on my actions in a very concrete way. Often my prayer has been, "Lord, if you came right now, would you like that I'm "?

Funerals. I have been so privileged to be in the lives of families at the moment of such great loss. A time where God has been using me to bring his comfort to the sorrowing. These have been the source of some of my greatest consolations in my ministry as well as my most exhausting weeks.

Homilies are something that I truly love, and are the reason I first felt called to the priesthood. I take them seriously but also recognize with the utmost humility that when I begin speaking, the words are no longer mine, but the Words of Christ who has foolishly chosen my voice to offer Himself to His people. OMG.

Being in Prince Albert I am closer, geographically, to my family than I have been in 8 years. This has been great but I am still falling short. One of the blessings of celibacy, of having no family of my own, is that I am supposed to be more free to be with my immediate family. Lord, free me from the bonds that shackle me to selfishness and release me into the love of my family!

Well, that's me. Thanks to all of you who sent me Christmas blessings, gifts, letters, and/or prayers.

May Christ truly come into your homes this season and may the Holy Spirit bind you in unity!

Emotional Icons

2010-12-09T19:35:00.005-07:00

Emoticons

:)

It has been a long while since I have passed a day without using an emoticon in a text message. I don't know if you realize this, but the majority of issues, gossip, fights, drug-selling, etc., among teenagers today is done via SMS (Short meesage service or "texting"). In fact, as I'm sure you have noticed, the means of communication these days, while becoming increasingly more global is also becoming increasingly more impersonal. More and more I hear of a boy or girl who was dumped by their significant other by an "I think we're over" text. No kidding :0

My conclusion is that this leads to people knowing much more (global communication) about how many terrible things are happening. :'(

The answer to our problems is not to burn cell phones. Farhenheit 452? Anyone? :P Rather, the answer is in teaching people, of any age, how to text properly. Which brings me back to my word of the day. Emoticons. These are absolutely essential in texting for a plethora of reasons. Only a few of which shall I cover here.

1. They are fun. Ok, so not much of an argument.

2. Unlike a novel, a text must convey much in few short words. Consider the difference:
Wanna go for coffee
OR
Wanna go for coffee :)

The emoticon in example #2 adds a definite emphasis to the brief sms that example #1 fails to convey. Here is the difference in novel form.

Disgruntled and tired, Joe arrives at his home, eager for some rest. He opens up his door, only to find his wife wearing clothes that suggest she does not feel like staying in. He knows that her favourite coffee shop is just down the road and that this is her coffee day, only, today, he does not want to accompany her. However, obligingly he asks, "Wanna go for coffee?"
Or
Joe has just had the best day of his life! He got off work early because everything seemed to fall in place. As he approaches his driveway he is thinking, a coffee with the most lovely lady in my life would be well deserved right now! As he opens the door he greets his wife, stunning as always, but more so today as she appears ready to leave her place of work where she works tirelessly to care for their children. "Wanna go for coffee?" Joe asks as he looks eagerly into his best friends eyes.

Trust me, a simple :) is the difference between these two scenarios!

Texting without emoticons can destroy lives!

People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget the way you make them feel.

Ask a good question...!

2010-12-04T22:10:00.003-07:00

So Fr. Marc asked me where this pic up above came from. And, like any teacher knows, if one student has a question, the rest of them probably do too but don't want to ask. Are you ready for the exciting answer?!? Here goes!

Last summer I went to Nova Scotia for a couple ordinations. We drove through Montreal and of course stopped at St. Joseph Oratory, where Brother Andre Bessette ministred. As many of you know, Brother Andre was canonized and is now Saint Andre! This picture was taken in his small chapel of St. Joseph just outside the giant church on Mont Royal.

And now you now...the rest of the story :)

A House of Discernment

2010-11-20T23:51:00.006-07:00

The big news in my world has to do with the discernment of vocations. It all began with our Bishop of Prince Albert, Bishop Albert Thevenot, voicing his concern with the lack of locally born vocations. This does not stem from some sort of xenophobia, rather it is rooted in the very apparent deficiency of Canadians to have the ability or desire to listen to the Selfless Voice of God in our lives. We are a soil of thorns in which the cares of the world dominate our consciousness.

Don't get me wrong. In order to survive in one of the most wealthy, privileged, free, equal, idealistic, model, praisworthy, glorious societies in the world . . . you get the picture. We sacrifice Value for value.

My point. His Excellency has asked me to live in a house of discernment, geared towards young men who are searching for God in their lives. What I learned from this idea is that the vocation to the priesthood is not the only vocation. In fact, the greatest advice I was given when I began my ministry as part-time chaplain at our Catholic High School was that, to increase vocations to the priesthood, we need to increase the holiness of our young men! If we do this we get holy marriages, holy single men, holy religious and holy priests.

This house of discernment that I am living in is open to about 4 other young men who are interested in growing closer to God in their everday lives. In fact, the more and more I think about it, I am excited and scared about this because it is going to force ME into a more serious relationship with Our Lord. You can laugh here Fr. Marc.

A good teacher never expects more from his students than he can do himself!

How much does it cost?

2010-09-04T14:16:00.002-06:00

A familiar question as we sit down at a restaurant to eat, or go shopping at Walmart: How much does it cost?

Have we ever considered the cost of discipleship? This Sunday Jesus tells us that we are a fool if we do not first sit down and consider the cost. But what does this mean? Does it mean that to follow Jesus costs money, so that only the rich may be disciples? No. All of us has a price to pay to be a disciple of Christ. This may mean that we need to give something up, like fasting or almsgiving. We are so burdened down by all our material possessions. Maybe we need to take on extra; prayers, bible studies, etc.

The point. You cannot purchase heaven. However, you can "purchase" happiness here on earth. If you put Christ before all, thats right, even your precious Television, happiness will follow. If we put all before Christ, when that is gone, so will your happiness.

Bible Online MMORPG

2010-08-30T16:15:00.004-06:00

For those of you who don't know, MMORPG means "Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game" and is a video game genre which encompases such titles as WoW or World of Warcraft - that which I am currently addicted to and should be playing right now.

If the Bible were online, this is what it would look like:

This quest is entitled "Remove Sandals"

Quest progress- 0/2

Well, last night I downed 4/12 bosses in the Ice Crown Citadel! This is a very difficult thing by the way, which has taken me over a year to progress to!

Oh, and yes this is ministry because four of my parishioners are WoW players...

Banff Priest holydays

2010-08-27T17:14:00.005-06:00

Thus returns my attempts at regular blogging:

Fr. Marc is a very prayerful holy man. Devotion with a smile :)

We got a beautiful place to stay in Banff! This was just our main floor!

Look at that TV eh?!

Oh yeah. Bikes. Best way to see the gorgeous mountains!

I hope your summer was awesome! Now get back to work you lazy bum!

My Summer

2010-06-08T17:55:00.003-06:00

After a year of crazy newness, I'm looking forward to some time to reflect on what the heck I did these past 12 months. June I am kept busy with school wrapping up but July and August there is no school. Many are envious of teachers who seem to get 2 months of holidays every year while most jobs give you 3 weeks. My summer, however, will see me at camp, vacation bible school, Masses at the parish, as well as just taking some time for myself. I would also like to catch up on parish visitations that gets left behind when the going gets tough. Finally, I need to be pro-active and begin making an action plan for the parish and the High school for next year. No this is not a joke, I am planning on planning. Now, who knows, if the fishing is good, I can always plan next year, right?

In other news, I was ordained on June 19th, 2009, the feast of the Sacred Heart. So is my anniversary this Friday (the Sacred Heart is a movable feast, this year being celebrated on June 11), or is it still June 19?

A reflection on bitterness

2010-04-11T23:12:00.004-06:00

WARNING: RANT TO FOLLOW

I've grown tired of those who only put down others. First, in politics. I just took my 4th degree Knights of Columbus; Patriotism. I am convinced that we need to support our political leaders, both the government and the minorities, not matter how they fail. We have a blessed opportunity for a multi-party system that keeps everyone accountable. This does not mean we should slander our political leaders whatever chance we get. Even those who are being investigated by the RCMP. Leave her alone.

I've grown tired of those who put down others. Second, in religion. We are Catholic. This means we are obedient and listen to authority. If you don't like this, become a congregationalist. Don't slander our religious leaders just because of some mistake but rather support them with your whole being so that they don't make the mistake in the first place!

God bless

Compassion: a reflection

2009-11-12T13:35:00.005-07:00

Philipians 1

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

I have been doing some reflection on what compassion is. In the seminary I was taught that the word came from the latin root com (with) and passion (suffering). In other words, to suffer with the other person. Jesus being the model of compassion, suffering for all for the forgiveness of sins.

Recently I have been taking a different approach, however. Like the scripture above suggests, I endeavour to make St. Paul's joy complete by bringing humour to the situation.

Like thus:

Pastoral?

Must...upgrade...

2009-11-02T21:04:00.002-07:00

Catch up pics

2009-08-31T17:06:00.005-06:00

I's alive!

I have survived my May Nova Scotia Pilgrimage.

I have been ordained in June.

I have relaxed in July.

I have slighly begun my ministry in August. (Pics will be available soon...)

And now it be September. School is in full swing and people seem to be coming back from the lake, attending Church again in PA, and wondering who this strange new priest is who looks like he is fresh out of grade 12.

For those who are wondering. My ministry assignment is half-time at a Parish in Prince Albert called St. Michael (about 200 families), and half-time at St. Mary High School (about 1000 students).

As you can tell, my blog is going to take a slightly different spin now. It is going to be less personal and more of a reflection on ministry and Christ - specifically in Prince Albert, Sask.

The New Zune

2009-05-30T15:46:00.004-06:00

As some of you may or may not know (or care...), I am a huge anti-supporter of Mac products. This has especially come to head with the abhorrent synonomy between the pop-lingo "MP3 player" and "I-Pod". To counter this, I bought a Microsoft Zune last summer (or need I say a Bill Gates I-Pod unlearned) and I am fairly satisfied with it. That being said, when I use sentences such as, "I listened to my Zune on the way home in my car", it is always countered with "your what?" I am getting slightly tired of peoples techno-ignorance.

The only problem I have had with my Zune is that it is extremely difficult to purchase songs from the Zune Marketplace (think: I Tunes Store). I guess I will just have to continue to steal music the old fashioned way.

Anyway, there is a new, HD version coming soon which I am definetely going to aquire as I have been wanting to upgrade my 4GB anyway. Unfortunately, in grand Microsoft style, the new Zune is more of just a money grab rather than a significant update, apparently. Fortunately, in true Travis-over-the-top-fan-Bill-Gates-awesome style, I like the fact that they are going to charge me money for a product that is essentially the same because hey, I'm comfortable with it and know how to use it so why change it. Makes sense, right...

Thanks again to Penny Arcade for comic'ing all of my favourite things!

2009-05-20T06:44:00.002-06:00

Here is some pics of Evo's ordination so that you all know that I'm not just on holidays. I work hard. Taking pictures. And . . . stuff. Anyway, my pics were fairly terrible so here are some salvages.

Evo presenting himself for ordination

Here are the boys (the three on the left) who roadtripped with me and who Evo asked to serve with a Knight on the left. They done good!

Cheers!

Travelling Van

2009-05-12T14:36:00.001-06:00

This is our baby. Ain't she a beaut!

Our Community

2009-03-24T10:04:00.001-06:00

Aren't we good lookin'

Spring Break '09!!

2009-02-24T19:20:00.006-07:00

Fort McMurray

And here is mostly what happened . . .

This is the administration building for Syncrude and Andrew's SUV, "Guappa Sorento"

One of the "Old Giants"

A link of chain

The entrance to the Buffalo park. They reclaim land that they have ruined and plant grass, trees and introduce Buffalo.

This is Andrew's living room. Nice TV eh!

Our last evening we played hockey

Decision

2009-02-09T10:58:00.002-07:00

Ok, I think this is the one I have settled on. I seem to have been getting a better response. I am not getting the Ciborium though.

Vocation Visitation!

2009-02-03T18:54:00.004-07:00

Hey, my vocation director came to Edmonton! Yay!

Here is a picture.

Fr. Matthew is my vocation director and he is 3rd on the right.

Comments

2009-01-27T10:19:00.001-07:00

Hey all! I'm thinking of purchasing this as my chalice.

Any comments? Thoughts?

A Christmas in the 'Fort

2009-01-11T10:36:00.005-07:00

This Christmas was great!

There was lots of family...

Tiny, Christmas villages

Happy babies!

Never enough video games

Happy families

and just relaxing

I hope your Christmas was great! And I wish you all the best in the New Year!
God bless!

Some signs of activity

2009-01-10T17:48:00.005-07:00

So prior to my making it home I made some stops. Of them included my foray to Wetaskiwin, the city of the automobile, to visit Fr. Marc Cramer and his family. Here is some evidence so that you know I am not lying.

These are pics of his parish.

This is the tabernacle

The baptismal font

And the statue of Mary of Medugorje

I wish I would have got pics from the Church at Hobema. It is a Native parish and there are amazing stained glass windows with Native artistic interpretations of significant events of Jesus' life.

Happy Baptism of the Lord!

Mixed Blessings

2009-01-10T17:25:00.004-07:00

Ok funny story time.

Before Christmas one fellow here at the Seminary asked me to bless his car that he had just aquired. The word got out and six other people asked as well! So one sunny December afternoon we lined up the cars and did a mass blessing, asking the Lord to protect the cars, but especially the drivers from harm and giving thanks to God that he has blessed us with these vehicles.

After I returned from Christmas break I began receiving disheartening news as to some of the students Christmas adventures. One of the cars I blessed got into an accident on the Whitemud, writing off his car. The next got his drivers side mirror kicked off. And just the other day, a truck that I blessed was side swiped, while parked, by a construction vehicle! Don't worry, I have already warned the others as the efficacy of my intercessions. I think I may need to go do some penance....

O Advent Tree

2008-12-09T11:48:00.004-07:00

The evening began, as most good ones ought, with wine that I did not purchase. It was our seniors social seasonal supper. The Italian was tasty and the conversation cheery.

Except for these two prudes who were worried about their 98% average slipping whilst they were out not studying.

Then it came time to decorate for our community Christmas party. Alvin and Kris really did all the work.

I didn't help set this tree up but i figure if I stand by it then it must look like i did, right?!

And thats it for us. Now we've had all our fun. Its back to the books, our exams just begun. Merry Advent everybody!

One too many mornings...

2008-11-06T15:52:00.002-07:00

Stumbled across this...

need sleeped

Thanksgiving!

2008-10-20T09:46:00.003-06:00

What began as a friendly game o' Risk amongst cousins

Notice I - green armies - here own North America

And then things started getting a bit more serious. Here you see my cousin in the black - the blue armies - absolutely trounce me out of Mexico.

And lastly, a closeup of what is, for me and eventually yellow, utter humiliation.

Hope your Thanksgiving was that exciting!

My Halloween

2008-10-15T23:25:00.003-06:00

This, sadly, is what my Halloween would have looked like, had I children. Thanks be to God for my celibacy!

Lacombe

2008-09-15T00:40:00.002-06:00

I made it out to Lacombe Alberta this summer

To visit Fr. Marc Cramer

But he is in Wetaskiwin now.

THE END

A bit from WYD SYD

2008-08-29T18:37:00.003-06:00

This is me showing off an awsome dalmatic I got to wear in Brisbane while assisting Mass for the Archbishop of Regina! Woooo

Weekend at the Bronners

2008-08-20T13:03:00.004-06:00

So I guess there are things that I'm supposed to be blogging but I'm going to start with this. We went out to visit the Bronner's (My step-mom's family) as they had relatives from Germany visiting. It was a fun time to be had by all!

First, here is a set of fun pics that me and Amy (my step-cousin) were fooling around with.

This is the Bronner's getting ready to waterski.
Amy, Jannelle, Lori, Evan

Janelle, Kristine, Rosie

Tubing!

Stay tuned for my sis's wedding pics!

Or check facebook...

A little bit slower now

2008-07-16T06:32:00.002-06:00

I was not planning on blogging during this trip but, despite not having uploaded any pics yet, I think i'm going to make a go of it. Besides, if you are REALLY interested you can see pics on facebook if you go to some of my friends or to the PA WYD group.

We have been on the go since we got off the plane and so I haven't had much time or opportunity to use the internet. We spent 2 nights in Brisbane. Highlight: Australian Zoo where we saw a show by Steve Irwin's wife Terri. Then we travelled south to O'Reilly's, a cold rainforest resort where we did a number of outdoor activities for 2 evenings.

We gladly left the cold mountains, however, and then spent 4 nights in the small town of Taree. Most people loved this as the parish and host families were so welcoming. I think we changed there lives more than they us!! They were so excited to see all these excited Canadians coming to there town! There are 74 of us wearing the same jersey's so ya kind of notice us in the petrol stations!! Haha!

Currently we are in Sydney and WYD was officially began Tuesday night (about midnight Wednesday morning) where everyone is going crazy chanting for love of Country, Jesus, and life. There are about 200,000 pilgrims taking over a city of 5 million. They've blockaded streets, put signs up everywhere, its breathtaking. Typically Aussie's are very hospitable and inviting. However there is some crazy anti-catholic stuff going on like "the pope is the anti-Christ" newspapers as well as handing out condoms. One of our couples got the finger by an Aussie and a few of us got yelled at by a bus driver because basically there were too many of us. I don't remember this in Toronto but generally it is not too bad. Been learning alot as there have been alot of good speakers.

Hope you're watching for me on T.V.!!!

in awe of the power of the Spirit

Hiatus

2008-06-28T17:59:00.002-06:00

So I'm going to try to blog once before I leave for Australia but if not: God bless, have a great July, and let us pray for each other for an increase in virtues we get from the power of the Holy Spirit!

My ordination pics

2008-06-05T17:40:00.003-06:00

As promised, here are a couple of ordination pics! Our James and Geoffery pilgrimage is coming up next so stay tuned!

Obedience to him and his successors . . . speaking of which.

Please pray for me . . . that I am able to remember when to stand back up.

Consecrated for service

Me and my (old) boss!

A large chapter

2008-06-03T10:38:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I can't believe it has been so long since I've been on blogger. My life has been moving a little too fast for me these last couple months. Probably because my car is so fast.
Basically the long and short of it is this:

1. I passed my exams. Got an 83, 82, 77, 76, and 73 in my 5 classes.

2. I passed jurisdictions with the proviso that I need to learn more about the canon law of marriage.

3. I went on my Diaconal ordination retreat in Meunster, SK at St. Peter's Abbey with the Benedictines. It was awsome and I got to see Sheldon Gaetz. Crazy kid.

4. I got ordained! Wow, what an awsome event! Thanks everyone for your prayers and support and especially those who came!

5. I went on holidays to Jasper. God truly dwells in the mountains, which is a hard thing for a prairie boy to admit.

6. I visited my sisters in Saskatoon and Taleah's boyfriend Todd graduated SIAST. Also, Trinette and Ryan are building a house. His garage is more square footage than his house. Way to go Ryan!

7. I went to Fathers James and Geoffery's ordination in Winnepeg. Congrats boys! It was quite an awsome, large, prayerful celebration. Those guys are gonna be awsome priests!

8. Two couples from around home here had their first child. Pray for Moise Lalonde and Seth Fedorychka!

9. We got new bishop! Fr. Albert Thévenot, M. Afr., currently Provincial of North America for the Society of Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers).

Right now I am currently back at home and have a schedule which involves much driving around.

Here is a pic of my ordination practice. I'm having a hard time uploading the rest but expect them soon.

Leave a comment and I'll pray for you. If not . . . outa luck

Not too smart

2008-04-19T14:14:00.004-06:00

So I find this funny. I hope you do to. My friend Lee bought a Smart Car and so we took pics of it beside my new Mazda. He actually tried to sit in my car and he couldn't fit! But his car, which is half the size, is perfect! Go figure?!?!?

This is Lee showing how much bigger my car is than his.

Side view

Rear view

One happy customer!

The smart car is actually quite roomy . . . until you look back of course and realize there is 6" between you and the car that is about to rear-end you. On the down side, my first fill-up with Maggie (my Mazda) revealed a disapointing 9.3 l/100kms. Lucy used to get 7.5 or so on average. Well, maybe I gota start treating her nicer . . .

Reasons

2008-04-11T14:43:00.003-06:00

I'm going to come clean. This is actually why I beleive I am called to become a priest.

Warmer Feet

2008-04-10T15:40:00.002-06:00

So I have went through many vocational crisis' throughout the years, both public and private. My latest was when I had to put the roman collar on for professional pictures. I felt like I was play acting. Like I was pretending to be someone I was not. Then I felt like it was someone I never could be. Combined with lack of sleep and stress, I was getting pretty nervous. As a result, last weekend we had a retreat during which I thought I better pray about some of this stuff before I invite any more people. I sat down in front of the Lord with the Mass readings and bam, not only does he tell me i'm supposed to be a deacon but that I should shut up and quit being afraid. I'm serious, this is exactly the scripture I read, check it out.

Acts 6:1-6
The calling of the 7 deacons
&

John 6:16-21
Do Not Be Afraid!

Thanks for your ear as always!

A Travesty of an Invitation

2008-04-03T15:19:00.005-06:00

I am sorry that most of you are not going to get an actual invitation so please do not take this personally. I'm too much of a procrastinator and am behind in my papers so I just have no time to send them out. I just want to say thanks to everyone who is in my life, as, if I have not told you already, you have in some unique way influenced my vocation and are part of the story of who I am today. I give thanks for you always and, if you leave me a comment, a facebook, or an email, I will tell you exactly how much I love you!

If you cannot come in May, please do not worry. Just say a quick Ave and raise a glass in praise of God for me!

(You have to click on the invite in order to read it)

my body thirsts for you, like a dry weary land without water

Uneventful

2008-03-27T20:29:00.002-06:00

I have no idea what to blog on. Easter was awsome but I have no pictoral evidence of this fact. My car is not ready so I'll pick it up in the next couple weeks. How's your life going? Steve, when are you gonna start blogging? We should go for coffee!

To satisfy the pic promise:

Go see the Bob Dylan movie

My New Car!

2008-03-13T14:26:00.002-06:00

The car has been purchased but I won't be taking possession of it until after Easter. It is a 2005 Mazda6 hatchback, 67,000kms, 5speed manual, 2.3L 4 cylinder engine. Zoom Zoom!

What I need from all of you is name suggestions. It must be a gals name and I am leaning towards biblical (or perhaps Xian saint). So far I am favouring "Maggie" as in Mary Magdalene.

Please email, comment, or facebook your suggestions with motives as to why I should choose yours. The one I choose will be rewarded with first drive! (Alvin is ahead so far as he suggested Maggie.

o blessed days of penitence/ bless us with reticence

News relevant to Travis

2008-03-12T19:37:00.004-06:00

Well, the Double-Double Brier is going on right now. Not sure if you all are paying attention. It's in Winnepeg and the playoffs are this weekend. Heres the scores so far.

LEADERBOARD

Alberta (Martin) 8 - 0
Ontario (Howard) 7 - 1
Sask (Simmons) 7 - 1
Manitoba (Burtnyk) 5 - 3
NL (Gushue) 5 - 4
B.C. (Ursel) 4 - 4
PEI (Gallant) 3 - 5
Quebec (Menard) 3 - 6
N.Ont (Harnden) 2 - 6
Yukon/NWT (Cowan) 2 - 6
N.B. (Grattan) 2 - 7
Nova Scotia (Rafuse) 2 - 7

In other news. Harry Potter producers have decided to do 2 movies in order to do justice to the final book "Deathly Hallows." Finally they have decided 1 movie isn't long enough!

In Church news, apparently the media believes the Vatican has "updated" its 7 deadly sins with new ones, more relevant for the 21st c. Uh huh. Well, the Vatican clarified what really happened here.

And here is a quick-read quote:

"The Vatican has not published a new list of seven deadly sins; this is not a new Vatican edict," said the conference. "The story originated from an interview that Bishop Gianfranco Girotti gave to the L'Osservatore Romano in which he was questioned about new forms of social sins in this age of globalization."

Funny Stuff

2008-02-28T19:19:00.002-07:00

So basically you have got to see these.

Here first

And then here

Lethbridge and Waterton Lakes

2008-02-25T19:31:00.005-07:00

I have been unable to drive as of late because of my car but this has not seemed to keep me from travelling. I apologize to my family who I did not see over the break because I could only go where others would take me.

That being said, I was taken to Peace River in northern Alberta for Maurice's diaconate ordination. Also, the 22nd thru 24 we went to Lethbridge and Waterton Lakes National Park to visit Aaron Roth. It was an awsome trip!

Here are some pics:

Aaron was all happy to see us!

And he took us to Waterton Lake

Where we were warned not to cliff jump. It's too bad. I wouldn't have had to finish my papers that way . . ..

may the light preserve you

More Church Happenings

2008-02-19T22:01:00.005-07:00

So here are some pics of Fr. Alfredo's actual ordination. These were taken by Mike S. Thanks Mike!

These are pics of Dr. Caroline Nolan's Consecration to the single life. It was a very unique event as there are very few women who take a religious vow but are not inside of a religious congregation; ie. that are not nuns.

I also just got back from Deacon Maurice's ordination. Hopefully pic's soon . . ..

why cant God make life easy

An Italian Ordination

2008-02-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the pictoral story of our trip to Alfredo's Ordination to the Priesthood in Victoria, B.C. Ironically, I didn't get any pictures of the actual ordination ceremony itself. Mike did and I have yet to retrieve them from him.

This is Simon, all excited for his first time to Victoria:

This is Mike. He brought his passport.

Fr. Shayne, all tuckered out from a hard work week (we left early Saturday morn) and Geoff.

Myself, Dennis and Steven in front of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Victoria.

Dennis. Always joy in this guys face.

Will (this summer he will be a Madonna House postulant) and Mike at Ric's Grill downtown Victoria. Italian Wine in honour of Alfy.

A shot of Victoria from a lookout point. It is so dreary in the winter.

This is Fr. Alfredo celebrating his first Mass at the Cathedral. He did a wonderful job!

Fr. Shayne preaching for Fr. Alfredo's first Mass. He preached on how we as priests and all God's faithful are called to live a Eucharistic life. Jesus takes us, blesses us, breaks us, and gives us in service to others. Yeah, we've heard that one before from you Fr. Shayne.

I invite you to keep Fr. Alfredo always in your prayers as I am sure he will you!
All for Jesus!

Travis

increasingly nervous

A Christmas Story

2008-01-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been a long while since I updated. Sorry! Christmas was very busy. From exams, to the flu, to all the visiting. Well, here is the story, in pictures, of a Christmas with the Myrheim's.

We laughed alot. It's supposed to be the season of joy

We ate and drank alot too!

We took Christmas tree pictures. These are at my Mom's.

My Mom got a new TV! 40" LCD.

Trinette talked on the phone to Ryan alot. Dad would have REALLY bugged her for that so I figure it is now my job.

Geoff received Lector in Saskatoon:

On a more serious note, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers for our family over the holydays. It was our first one without dad. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be but we all had our moments. Your prayers gave us the strength we needed! May God bless each one of you in this New Year!

2007 Grey Cup Champions!

2007-11-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well boys! We did er! Here is the story that unfolded at the Seminary:

Grey Cup Poetry

2007-11-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy this poem. A Rider fan in Regina wrote it after the B.C. game (the one we were supposed to lose) GO RIDERS!!!

Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.
When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Kent sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.
And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
“That looks like Dominguez, and Flick and Fantuz!”
“Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??”
So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Austin stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.
“Hey Coach,” cried a voice, “Whatcha doing down here?”
It was Szarka and Schultz, and they were handing out beer!
Chucky and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O’Day and the Hogs.
Crandall cooked Hot Wings, Joseph grilled steak,
While Cates, Holmes, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
“This is nuts!” Austin shouted, “It’s one-thirty AM!”
“I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!”
Eric Tillman tapped Austin, “ You’re not Eagle Keys -”
“But I’m not Berry, or Gotta, or Gregory – so PLEASE!”
“You’re all waddling around here like Wascana geese!”
“And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse.”
“Now, you’ve all had your fun, so back to your rooms.”
But then Austin’s nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham played Banjos with flair.
On Davis, on Johnson, on Coach Ritchie Hall,
Even old Alex Smith flashed a smile after all,
On Lloyd, on McCullough, on Hunt and on Perry,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Kerry.
The skydome then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Kent Austin’s glare.
Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which Fairholm and Ridgway and Elgaard picked up.
They handed it over to Ritchie and Kent,
Who called Kerry and Eddie, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Blue Bomber Pheasants.
That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Blue Bomber doom.
And they sent all the Banjos to Troy Westwood’s Room.
GO RIDERS!

GO RIDERS!

2007-11-20T21:44:00.001-07:00

I like this pic

Click it to find out stats for Sunday's game. For instance: Did you know Saskatchewan and Winnepeg have never played against eachother in the Grey Cup?

CFL Finals Violence

2007-11-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the Riders decimated the B.C. Lions today. And I got accosted by angry fans as result. Witness the evidence:

This is us watching a friendly game of ball

And again

That is MY BOXSPRING underneath that coffee table

This is where my bed is SUPPOSED to be!

This is where my bed is!

May God bless all the losers with consolation

CFL SemiFinals - Go Riders!

2007-11-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, this has taken to long to post but I just got the chance today. We here at the seminary watched the Riders and Bombers victory last Sunday on the Big Screen. I hated the game because it was way to close!

Here are a couple of pics showing our setup.

Do you like the flag or the screen better?

A moment of disapointment

Cheers to the Lions! Good luck for next week. You're gonna need it!

Consider laptop for a Christmas gift

2007-11-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a neat initiative that the Catholic Church is supporting.

It is called "Give One Get One"

Basically you buy a $400 XO laptop and this company donates a laptop to a child in a developing nation. You have to buy one by November 26 so hurry!

The Importance of Tithing

2007-11-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

A little biblical food for thought:

This is Malachi chapter 3

8"Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, 'How have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.

9"You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!

10"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

And the Winner Is . . .

2007-11-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan Election Results
2007 SEAT RESULTS:
-Liberal Party 0
-New Democratic Party 21
-Saskatchewan Party 37
-Green 0

What we were before:
-New Democratic Party 30
-Saskatchewan Party 28
-Liberal 0
Total Seats 58

So basically we switched from the NDP to a Conservative Majority.

For more see CBC

Saskatchewan Votes

2007-11-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tommorow is the provincial election in Saskatchewan. I support Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan party, however I didn't act in time to be able to mail in my vote, so my support is merely "moral". I encourage anyone who is reading my blog from Saskatchewan to vote! Particularily for Rod Gantafoer in the Melfort constituency.

For info on why to vote Sask party, go here:

Happy All Saints Day!

2007-10-31T22:32:00.000-06:00

Well, my favourite saint is St. Joseph. Because I wish I was a hard worker like he was. Who is your favourite saint and why?

For good reading see below

Zenit

believe in heaven!

Media as Service to Truth

2007-10-30T16:21:00.000-06:00

Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said: "The theme chosen by the Holy Father for World Communications Day ["The Media: At the Crossroads Between Activism and Service. Seeking the Truth in Order to Share It With Others”] calls on us to reflect on the role played by the media and especially the increasing risk of their becoming self-absorbed and no longer tools at the service of truth -- something that is meant to be sought and shared."

World Communications day this year is May 4, 2008. The Sunday before Pentecost.

Cardinal Ruini of Rome gets behind blogging

2007-10-29T15:48:00.000-06:00

Well, apparently the Universal Church is telling me not only to continue blogging, but to use it more to spread God's Word!

Read this!

The Game of Catch-up

2007-10-26T18:39:00.000-06:00

I seem to be behind in a lot of things in life right at this moment. Lets start with blogging, then classwork, then class grades, sleep, ambition, video games. There may even be more. Further, Facebook seems to be the defining realm right now for my connection to the outside world. But I still like the personal feel of blogging, so I am not about to give it up; plus, you can read this on Facebook . . ..

But October. It was a fun month was it not? 2 things I must mention: Thanksgiving at the Grandparents in Unity. Yay! And a family trip to Calgary!

The Pics:

This is a shot of Trinette and Tarena at a cafe at Banff. It was cold outside

These next two are Thanksgiving pics. Aren't we a good looking family!?

One again, thank you for your loyalty to my blog. It shows we care for each other!

Candidacy: I didn't run.

2007-09-05T13:36:00.000-06:00

(Pics courtesy of Elaine Millette)

Facts:
What? Candidacy

When? August 15, 2007. Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven

Who? (L to R) Francis, Tuon, Michael, Tru, Cuong, Travis, Manh

How? Bishop Blaise Morand, Ordinary of the Diocese of Prince Albert.

Why? Service?

Well, I am now officially a candidate for the priesthood. This is kinda scary because not only does it remind that the end is near but it means that I have to start being mature and responsible. Yeah, like that will ever happen.

Thanks for everyone who has supported me in any way: prayers, presence, encouragement. May God bless you for your love!

Requitem in Pacis

2007-08-21T21:46:00.000-06:00

This post is dedicated to my father, Lyle Myrheim. He passed away the morning of August 4, 2007 because of a farm accident. He was born in 52' and so was taken away too early from this world. We can only hope that God brings more joy to this world as a result of his passing than he brought to the world alive.

His obit is printed here:

Lyle Myrheim Obituary - Melfort Journal

Summer Movies

2007-07-17T12:42:00.000-06:00

Well, looks like there are a few summer blockbusters this year. But this is a uniquely good summer for me. I'm spending alot more time outside than I usually am able to; which means I haven't even gone to see Harry Potter yet!

This is one movie though that I would go see . . . if it existed.

Hehe, "bearly". Now that is a corny pun.

This next comic is the reason I don't miss the movies

These pics are copyright Penny Arcade

The Vista XPerience

2007-06-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

You liked that pic, didn't you. Yeah, I thought so. It's impossible NOT to like! I mean, the stylish and immensly useful sidebar full of 'gadgets' - that's right iMac, 'widgets' just sounds stupid. Next, I'm sure you noticed the new 3 dimensional way to switch between windows that not only looks awsome but is actually quicker than the traditional alt-tab because it provides a better visual of the windows you are switching between.

Now, a careful observer might remark something along the lines of "Hey, hasn't Apple been doing this for years?" To which, the only intelligent response is, "Hey, haven't you been stupid for years?"

This is not a race or competition between two types of computers because Macintosh isn't a real computer. I mean, who wants something that is extremely expensive and difficult to use! (Wait, isn't this how computers got started . . .) The fact is, the PC has always been better and more compatible than Mac's, and now it looks better too!

All jokes aside, Vista actually sucks. Yup. My built in cam and my SD slot quit working. Also, while XP rarely crashed on me, Vista seems to have the traditional temperment that Mac users LOVE bugging PC users about. Lastly, SERIOUS BRAIN DRAIN. As if my battery life wasn't low enough, Vista even sucks more. Also, 1GB of RAM doesn't go as far as it used to.

My recomendation, dual install XP and Vista. I really, really, really, really, like the sidebar and so can put up with all the other crap.

Travis

one step closer to buying a Mac

Stewardship Conferance Edmonton

2007-06-19T08:44:00.000-06:00

Me and 4 of our interns from P.A. Diocese drove up to the Western Stewardship Conference in Edmonton last week. I think we did learn alot, but I took no pictures to support that claim.

This is Manh satisfied after a delicious meal at "The Asian Grill."

Manh, Me, and Cuong

Cuong and Tuon - This is our Intern-mo-bile

Facebook Revolution

2007-06-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

Haha! This is awsome! It reminds me of many a people, including myself. If you don't facebook, you're just not cool.

Laos Pics

2007-05-26T17:57:00.001-06:00

Here is a couple pics from my trip. For more, please visit my Facebook (click on the icon on the bottom right).

This is Priest-elect Andrew who I travelled with and Father Souksavath

This is Souk, Andrew, and I in one of his missions

This is me being a Buddhist lion. Rargh!

Sabaadi from Laos!

2007-05-01T02:27:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! I thought instead of sending out a whole bunch of emails I would just blog my greetings from my visit with Souksavath. I have tons of pictures already but sorry I couldn't upload them because I wasn't lucky enough to grab the computer with the capability. Maybe next week.

So far, me and Andrew are having alot of fun. We know very few words; Sabaadi means hello, KopChai means Thank you, Sebly means very delicious, Bo means no, Jou means yes, and Yo means Cheers! (the most important!). To ask for beer (but it's brought to you whether you ask or not and the glass is never empty) you would say BeerLao.

Fr. Souk has been extremely hospitable, taking us on all his pastoral visits and showing us his mission territory. So far we have stayed at the sisters residence in Paxse, in the same yard as the seminary where Souk lives, but last night and tonight he put us up in a relatively inexpensive ($40/night) hotel so that we could get some A/C and could sleep without mosquito nets. But for a couple days later this week we will be staying in a hut which is basically completely outside with a roof over our heads and a mosquito net around us. The food is absolutely fantastic but today I had to start taking Immodium pills as my stomach apparently agree with something. It is a very beautiful country, of what I have seen of the south, but the city, Paxse is rather dirty. Souk says noone has common sense to throw litter in the garbage or pick it up of the streets. Mass with Souk in Lao is really neat as they chant alot, even Souk! The seminarians are really great guys and Souk has been teaching them a bit of english so they can communicate on a very basic level with us. So far, very few people know English except this one youth minister that works with Souk who studied in the Philipines in English last year and learned English there. His brothers and sisters are learning slowly but we have a hard time besides those few words I mentioned above. Mostly, all I need to say is Cho when I'm asked if I want a beer and Bo if I am trying to be prudent. Everything else takes care of itself!
My next update I will try to have pics and I would like to tell you about the Seminary that Souk is in co-charge of. 3 months ordained and already a formator of 17 seminarians! God bless from the Far East! Please pray for me!

My Lay Support Committee

2007-04-20T00:44:00.000-06:00

Well, Fr. Eric has just left the Holy Land and my evaluation is as good as done. I'm not sure if I am going to make it but so far the Solp's haven't kicked me out. Here is a pic of my entire Lay Support committee and Fr. Eric. Please pray for me.

AR's Exultet

2007-04-18T19:31:00.000-06:00

Haha! This is awsome! Way to go Aaron! But did you notice how he keeps taking big gulps at the pauses? Have a bit of a dry throat buddy? Haha!

Story of a Boy

2007-04-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

WARNING: THIS IS ANOTHER WORLD OF WARCRAFT POST

In WoW, you run around and do quests. Quests are things like, "My neighbor is going to die unless he has a certain herb. Collect 6 herbs and then come back to me. Your reward will be . . .." Then, when you are doing the quest, you will get an update on your screen like, "Herbs: 0/6", which will keep track of how you are doing so that you can return after you have finished the quest. My world and the WoW are now so blurred that I thought I would share with you my life quest status.

Verbatims: 4/6
Monthly reflections: 6/10
Holy Thursday Homily: 1/1
Holy Thursday Mass: 0/2
Good Friday Services: 0/3
Easter Vigil: 0/1
Easter Sunday: 0/1
Random errands: 2/gagillian-million

I look like who?!?!?

2007-04-03T12:10:00.000-06:00

http://www.myheritage.com

I look like Putin. I find that pretty cool. I don't think this thing really works.