Words from Fr Ed (From October 17th, 2010 Bulletin)

African Children

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him
day and night? - Luke 18:7

Children can make the best pray-ers. They are innocent and unencumbered, unafraid to ask for what they really need. They are also precious in God’s sight. The scripture for the Guardian Angel Mass which we celebrated recently goes like this:

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.” - Mt. 18:10

Our own parishioner, Diane Cooper, will be carrying goods to Uganda in November, for Emily B. and the Daughters of Mary and all the children they serve. Please help them if you can by providing:

Black Leather Shoes (see description in bulletin)
Children’s Books (Grade 1, 2, 3), Sheets and Towels

There is a nice display and deposit box for these gifts in the narthex through October. Financial contributions are also welcome. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, this is also possible through Diane. See the display for more information.

As for what concerns our relations with our fellow men,
the anguish in our neighbor’s soul must break all precept.
All that we do is a means to an end, but love is an end in itself,
because God is love. – Edith Stein


Saint Romuald’s Brief Rule
Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms — never leave it.

If you have just come to the monastery, and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart and to understand them with your mind.

And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up; hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.

Realize above all that you are in God's presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor.

Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.

St. Romuald founded the Hermits of Camaldolese in Camaldoli, Italy in 1023. We were able to visit his Holy Hermitage a few weeks ago and concelebrate the community Mass. As a monk with a beard down to his knee played the harpsichord, the Presider prayed Mass as if it was his only Mass this decade; heaven and earth met and we came away divinized by the Exchange.