St. Anne's Shrine
When I found myself in the Lake Champlain Islands (see next post) on Friday night, I knew that I was called to visit the St. Anne Shrine. I am so glad that I answered the call!
Here are some resources for you if you are interested in making a pilgrimage to Isle La Motte to visit the St. Anne Shrine. Scared to travel in this time of Covid? Check out the article on Virtual Pilgrimages.
St. John's Church
(Lifeteen.com)
On the Feast of Mary Magdalene, Thursday, July 22nd, I stumbled into the 5:15 PM Mass at my hometown church of St. John's in St. Johnsbury. It had been an emotional day, and I knew that I needed daily Mass more than ever!
As I walked through those familiar glass doors, I was so surprised to see Father Lance, one of our former priests back at the pulpit setting up for Mass. Father Lance was such a Good Shepherd to my Mom and Dad when he served St. John's before, and as he began Mass, he began to speak about the people from generations past who developed such a strong Eucharistic Adoration program. Immediately, I felt chills because our Mom and Dad were very involved in this from the beginning, and this was a daily devotion for them over many years.
Father Lance said that July 22nd was the day that the Adoration Chapel was going to reopen after many long months of being closed due to Covid. He invited those of us attending Mass that afternoon to form a Eucharistic Procession down to chapel and then, sign up to spend an hour a week adoring our Lord. Whenever I am home, I plan to do just that- devoting time in the Adoration chapel looking at and listening to our Lord. This devotion meant so much to my parents, and I want their legacy of Faith to live on in me and all of the generations who come after.
Here are some resources to help your children understand Eucharistic Adoration:
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
A Beginner's Guide to Adoration
Ringing the Bell
Often times when I was teaching away in my classroom and a student provided a great answer, I would call out, "ring, ring, ring" and pantomime ringing a bell. This morning, my sister-in-law Tracey was part of the Weber Grill team ringing THE Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. I could not be any prouder. She, and the entire team, has worked so hard for this moment. Congratulations!
Curious what it all means? Check out these great student resources:
Teachers' Guide to the Stock Exchange
Another Trip around the Sun and the Pond
Birthdays are such a blessing. With each additional year that I accrue, I gain aches and pains, but also joy and wisdom too! Much like taking trips around the pond in my kayak, the scenery changes based on where I am.
Here are some of the highlights from my Happy Birthday month. Enjoy!
Waiting on a Sunny Day
Wow! The sun came out this afternoon after what felt like days of rain. I jumped in my kayak and headed around the pond. With Bruce Springsteen's song (Waiting on a Sunny Day ) resonating in my brain, I thought about the tumultuous weather of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Check out these awesome weather sites if you love weather as much as I do!
Interactive Websites:
1. Weather Wiz Kids
2. Almanac
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I have a confession to make. Thanksgiving morning dawned, and in the midst of so much to be grateful for, I was feeling deep in despair. I remember my mom used to describe these moments as being down in the toolies (is this even a word?) or having "a pity party," and if I am full on confessing, I never really got it. Most days dawn Pamtastic to me, and it's another opportunity to jump into the fray of life.
Thanksgiving, after the turkey was eaten and the Zoom calls were over, I sank into the comforting confines of our ancient sectional sofa and hunkered in to watch our old home movies. Just as I was about to wallow, it was then that I experienced a resurrection miracle. I watched, I remembered and I prayed. I laughed and I cried- sometimes both at the same time. And as I did that, my attitude was transformed from one of grief to that of gratitude. I recalled the Wolfgang Van Halen video, "Distance" and was inspired to try...In Thanksgiving
A few days ago, a wind storm blew into New England and immediately, I was transported back to my days of living in Nebraska and my Boy Scout training. I mean, I knew it was a Monday, so I should have known better. I should have been prepared, and I was anything but!
I actually knew that the power was out when I went to bed Sunday night. I knew that I borrowed my husband's special "Goal Zero" battery operated torch to charge my cell phone, so when it was time to wake up and the lantern was dead, I knew I had to leap into action. I used what little cell phone flashlight that remained to make my way to my car. I plugged the depleted torch into the charger, punched the car into reverse and sped my way out of the church parking lot. As I prepared to pull out on to Oenoke Ridge, I looked to my left and to my right, and I was surrounded on both sides by police blockades. Trees were lying across the road in both directions. The baffled police officer approached my car, and as I rolled down my window, she said, "Where did you come from?" Hmmmmmm.... I didn't want to touch this one on a Monday morning, but I needed supplies and I needed them now. Reluctantly, she removed the Crime Scene tape that sealed the area, and I eased my little Honda onto the sidewalk and down a side street I had never noticed before.
Once around the corner, I could see the filling station and Dunkin' Donuts. At the gas station, I fueled up the car and loaded bags of ice into the trunk. Next, I walked into the Dunkin Donuts, ordered breakfast and coffees (large) for me and my sweetie. As I was leaving, I called out to the DD barista, "Just so you know, the power is out." I will never forget the look of terror in her eyes as she screamed into the back, "POWER'S OUT!" Moments later, as I was backing away from the storefront, five cars were making their way down Elm Street and eased into the spaces out front. I was exiting just in time.
With the lantern fully charged now, I raced back to the parsonage. I crisscrossed my way through the town, nodded at the patient officer who watched me drive by via the sidewalk again and arrived back at the house. Immediately, I stuffed the bags of ice into the fridge/freezer and began to make a fire in the fireplace. The glow of the roaring blaze warmed my fingers and toes. In my mind, I was no longer in Connecticut; I was transported back in time to all of those Boy Scout campfires in Nebraska. There is something very primitive and satisfying about being out in the wilderness, whether it is in the Midwest or New Canaan, Connecticut, solving problems on the fly and lighting a fire in the darkness to light the way for others. I snuck back into the bedroom and placed the lantern next to the bed. When he awoke for the day, it would be there at the ready. Then I walked back out into the storm and headed to school.
