Carmel, IN–In the early 2000’s, Jonathan Chamblee was best known around Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish as the theological intellectual who directed the high school youth program, however he gained a new reputation as an accomplished metal artist with the unveiling of his work– a life size, brass-laid, replica of the Ark of the Covenant with monstrance on top.
Start small. That’s the message.
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflections frequently make me laugh. And I couldn’t resist re-posting another one of his great reflections. (See below italics.)
When we think of the mustard seed, and what it eventually becomes–a huge tree– it gives us an insight into God’s way of thinking.
We are so impatient as Americans. It’s no wonder we are impatient because we live in fast food, fast cash, quick text message, instagram culture. Everything is almost instantaneous, and in real time, FAST. But God doesn’t exactly work that way. And Bishop Barron has a really great insight as to why God has us start out small.
I hope you take the time to read this short reflection below by Bishop Barron.
On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the decision which made abortion legal in the United States, it’s important to reflect a bit on how many people are not with us today because they were — well, aborted. Abortion is a, “choice” which involves a very brutal and harsh act of violence rendered against a voiceless and marginalized child. Is this America in 2018?
Every day I read a reflection on the Gospel for the Mass readings by Bishop Robert Barron. His topic today was on Roe v. Wade. I don’t think we can underestimate the impact abortion has on people lives and our society. Below is Bishop Barron’s reflection on Roe v. Wade decision & the Gospel of Mark 3: 22-30.
By Brigid Curtis Ayer
Carmel—Silence is hard to come by in today’s noisy world, but not for those who attend a tri-weekly, contemplative prayer group at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, in Carmel. Silence drives the experience of encountering Jesus.
Barb Gryna, who created and leads the prayer group, says the format draws together a small group seeking peace and conversation with God. The group’s genesis provided a way for Gryna to deal with her anxiety and depression and support others suffering with it. Gryna say one need not have depression or anxiety to attend, the group welcomes anyone who seeks to deepen his or her relationship with God.
By Brigid Curtis Ayer
Noblesville— The Cupertino Aviation Club takes flight and faith to new levels as it expands its scope in a club relaunch effort this fall.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioner, Tom Beckenbauer, founder and president of the Catholic Aviation Association, said the local Cupertino Aviation Club, allows him to combine his passion for flying and his Catholic faith. “It’s a way that I can pass on all that God has given me to others.”
Father Ted Rothrock (in black) is flanked by St. Elizabeth Seton Loaves and Fishes ministry leaders. Father Rothrock blessed the many bags of donated food. They loaded into the trucks destined for the Merciful Help Center.
Carmel–Susan McIntosh, chair of the Loaves and Fishes ministry at St. Elizabeth Seton parish in Carmel says she “sees Christ in the people” she serves. The St. Elizabeth Seton food outreach ministry recently conducted its Blue Bag food drive.
Loaves and Fishes ministry partners with the Merciful Help Center at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to collect food, restock the pantry, and help clients ‘shop’ at the food pantry located on the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel campus on 146th street in Carmel.
By: Brigid Curtis Ayer
National pornography education speaker Garret Jonsson shared personal testimony on his pornography addiction and the brain Science behind it with students at Guerin Catholic High School, Sept. 25.
Jonsson, presenter and ambassador for Fight the New Drug, a pornography education group, works to make inroads with young people and raise awareness of the risks involved with pornography. “It’s a movement for love, and a movement to help young people make informed decisions,” said Jonsson.
Miraculous Moments–Out of Gas
Story submitted by Monica Jones, San Francisco, CA
Last summer, I made a road trip to a friend’s house that lived about 30 miles away. I had good directions, but soon realized I was lost. What was even worse was I was just about out of gas. Yikes!!! I was totally lost, no where near civilization or a gas station. I couldn’t even get a signal on my cell
Speaker highlights Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan’s alliance to Defeat Evil of Soviet CommunismBy Brigid Curtis Ayer
The parallels of their lives were uncanny. The comradery and mutual affection they shared was genuine. Their alliance, undeniably, toppled more than the Berlin Wall, and the Cold War era, but perhaps forever changed the international, political, and moral landscape for ages to come.
Paul Kengor, New York Times bestselling author, offered his timeless and little-known insights into the relationship of Pope John Paul II, and President Ronald Reagan, during a recent presentation in Carmel, IN. These stories are outlined in his 600-plus page book, “A Pope and a President.”
The body of Christ is broken. The culture of death is becoming even more oppressive. Millions of babies do not survive long enough to be born. The unfaithfulness of Christians is scandalous. Under these circumstances, you would think we would be depressed and even despairing.
However, “despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it” (Rm 5:20). Pope St. John Paul II prophesied that we can have a new springtime of the Christian life right now if we are docile to the action of the Holy Spirit (Towards the Third Millennium(TMA), 18). After this new springtime, justice and freedom will be restored to the world (TMA, 16). Jeremiah also prophesied: “I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope” (Jer 29:11). The bishops of Vatican II have also prophesied that Mary is a sign of sure hope (Lumen Gentium, 68). With Mary leading her children, we will cross the threshold of hope into the new millennium.