My miracle story

A lady lost her young daughter. She coped well, relying on her faith, family and friends. However, like all mothers, she took better care of everyone else than herself. She finally broke down and lost hope that God was even there for her family anymore. She called me and asked me to come over and bring my holy oils. When I arrived we sat outside in the backyard. She said she was at wits end, that she felt like God had abandoned them. She asked me for a sign that God was still with them and that her daughter was at peace. Of course, me being the wise man I gave the best of advice. Ok not at all, I said that no sign didn't mean that God was not with them and then blabbered some nonsense. I had absolutely no answer nor an idea of what to say so I listened while she spoke; i was completely at a loss and so was she. At an appropriate time I asked if she would like to pray and got up and got my oils from my car. When I returned and sat back down I let silence prevail and took a couple deep breaths to prepare for the sacrament. We both looked up at the same time and, except for a clear blue sky, saw one, huge cloud, that was distinctly in the shape of an eagle; the head and the wings. She said its an eagle, that's my sign, and then looked at me and asked if I saw it. We just sat there, staring, for minutes, a great peace descending on us. We probably didn't need to celebrate the anointing of the sick but did anyway. A burden was lifted off her shoulder. She knew now that, not only was her daughter at peace, but was taking care of her. When a mother pours out her love for her child, it is only fitting that someday the child be able to return the love, be that on earth or in heaven.

These kinds of stories happen to me every day. I need to share them more. I get to witness God's miracles through others all the time. How blessed is that?

St. Michael School opening celebrations

St. Michael School opening celebration today. Went to St. Laurent today to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. Yeah it sounds exotic but really it's only 30 mins south of Prince Albert. Actually, that IS what makes it exotic! From the moment we arrived, there was a sense of peace. The kids were great. Mass was great. The choir was amazing. I hope they got my point in my homily. Peace is the theme this year. Peace is found when we humble ourselves and remove all pride. I had the privilege of escorting a couple of groups to the buffalo jump, where the early inhabitants used to run their food off a cliff. It was brutal, but it was an effective means of hunting. They wasted nothing of the buffalo, using all the bones and organs for tools, etc. It makes you appreciate Safeway and Rona

Easter Sunday Homily

This is my Easter Sunday homily notes! Blessings

All though it doesn't look like it from what we see outside, spring is a time of new life. The dead begins to grow, the farmers get read to plant to grow food for the world, gardeners have their itchy green thumb probably trying to plant in the snow. Animals and birds emerge and give rise to new life. 

Even people receive new life! I'm sure most of us were getting beyond depressed with the bleakness of winter and the sun is a welcome blessing. The brightness and length of the day giving us strength and energy.

This is what the first reading proclaims! Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to bring new life! The new life he brings is healing and forgiveness. Oh how desperately in need of healing and forgiveness we all are. Today, through the power of Christ, we receive that! 

But it cannot stop there. If Christ heals and forgives us, so must we bring healing and forgiveness to others!

The second reading builds on this. Who would take old yeast, and try to make bread. Surely it's going to taste bad. Clean out the old yeast of malice and evil and add the new of sincerity and truth! Whatever in the past has gone bad, throw out! It is no longer good. You should have seen my fridge when I cleaned it. I think the mould had mould growing on it! It was gross. And this is what happens when we cling to unforgiveness, when we harbour grudges. It's like trying to cook with rotten food. 

But it isn't easy to get rid of the old. I get that. I bought that cheese and by Goly I'm going to cut off the mould and eat it. But it just doesn't work. 

Finally the Gospel reminds us that Jesus rose from the dead. Mary Magdelene encounters Jesus but does not recognize him! She is expecting the old Jesus and doesn't understand that he is Risen. She thinks she knows Jesus, but she doesn't. She truly sees him for who he is when He speaks her name. How many times have we thought we knew someone because of past experiences or gossip. But when we truly speak to someone and get to know them, we realize that, despite their failings, they are one of Gods children too. 

Let Easter remind us to renew our selves of love, so that we may be healed and forgiven; and renewed, may heal and forgive others.

Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!

How's your Lent looking?

I've recently spoke with some young people who are really excited about there Lenten fast. It allows them to truly look forward to Sunday and to not take things for granted. I was really inspired by their excitement!

My own Lent has been quite fruitful as well. I gave up coffee. As an addict this was difficult. I had a migraine all of Ash Wednesday. But God has strangely given me the grace to persevere. I do drink tea now so I am getting a bit of caffeine, but all in all I feel free. I truly felt that if I didn't have coffee, my day was not right, like I was dependant on it. Fasting should make us realize that we cannot be dependant on anything or anyone besides God.

So how is your Lent going?

Remember, if you are having a difficult time giving something, make it easier on yourself. Only give it up 4 days a week, or adapt it somehow to be manageable. If you are very determined to persist but you seem to keep falling, don't despair! Even Jesus fell 3 times on his road to the Cross. Just find yourself a Simon of Cyrene to encourage you and get back up!

Happy fasting!

FT

Resignation of Papa Bene

Many of you have no doubt heard the news that, effective 12pm (Saskatime), February 28th, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI is resigning as Pope. I just wanted to take a few moments to clarify a few points for you.

First, as Catholics our first responsibility is to love the Church and the Pope. I have seen already confusion, misinformation and even anger towards the Pope and our church. Mostly, haterz gonna hate. I urge you if people challenge you or ask you about this please do not judge the person or call them names, haha. But rather respond with love, assuring them that there are good reasons the Pope has decided this.

Things to know to help your own understanding and to properly inform others.

1) No this is not typical. It has happened only 3 times before. Each time it has happened it was for the good of the Church and informed by prayer. In this case, Pope Benedict, I believe, has recognized that a modern Pope requires much more health and energy than he is capable of giving. Today's Pope (sounds like GQ mag, sorry) needs to be travelling all over the world to be with his people, where even 20 years ago this was not the case. WYD Rio this summer is a perfect example. The Pope needs to be there, and Benedict clearly could not make the trip.

Here is a short vid about the previous Pope's who resigned.

2) Pope Benedict did not resign because of scandal or anything bad or evil. He has endured, and been aquitted of a few scandals which did not cause him to resign. Why would he do so now?

3) Become informed. Please don't trust what a secular news agency; (your morning news, or however you normally hear about world and church events) read what the Pope ACTUALLY said.

4) Pray. Matthew 16:18 assures us that the church is built on Christ and that, though persecuted, nothing can prevail against it. Pope Benedict needs your prayers right now as well as he who will be named successor. But trust that the Holy Spirit is always at work, both in the church universal and the church local.

I welcome comments, questions, and feedback.

God bless!

FT