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Pax phriends! I am so joyful in this new year! So much is happening that I'd love to share. The community I wrote called me and I had a lovely conversation with the VD. I was open, and kinda blunt about my journey this far, my struggles, my joys, and the shortcomings in myself that I have discovered along the way. She was very sweet, and very receptive to me! This community is 100% okay with my medication needs, and would even want me to continue treatment should I hypothetically enter someday. This has been the most joyous news for me! The VD has invited me to a discernment retreat with them in mid-Feb, and I had more than enough airline miles to cover the trip. The only thing I had to pay for was $11 in processing fees, God is good! In other news I have applied to graduate school for to get my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I've been wanting this for a long long time, and finally felt like it was time to take the plunge. This has been a challenge given my discernment, but I am at peace with where I am at right now. I also know for a fact that this community is willing to work with me on being able to finish my Master's should we discern for me to enter before it is complete. Especially since my coursework is in line with the apostolate of the community, and my coursework will 100% be online. I have had to tell my family about my continuing discernment, given I will be flying out of state for almost a week in Feb. There had been some major miscommunication and they had thought I was completely done discerning when I decided to take my break. This has not gone over well. My sister is neutral, but my mother is extremely hostile to the idea. When I told her over the phone, there were many tears, much yelling, and an insistence that this path is "absolutely impossible" for me to pursue. To say the least that really hurt, even though I knew that would be her reaction. My SD and I have talked about this and he has encouraged me to continue moving forward despite my mother's loud objections. He has also reminded me to be loving and patient with her through this process. If you could pray for my family and their hearts during this time, that would be appreciated. Lastly I am transitioning into an "old-new" job. I've worked in a very similar capacity, but am changing employers. I'll be working at the Children's Hospital in my city, and I could not be more thrilled (and a tiny bit nervous). God is great though, because my schedule will allow me to continue to attend daily mass every day, and be home at a decent time in the afternoons. I'm doing super well and continue to grow in many areas each day with the love and grace of our Beloved. I'm always praying for you all! Love you pham.

"Meghan Perks enters our community as a Postulant on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, January 1, 2020 ." From the Carmelite monastery in Covington, LA. They now have three women in formation, and recently made her solemn profession. https://www.covingtoncarmel.org/about1

For those who don’t know who Francis Chan is, let me give a quick overview. He is a Protestant pastor who used to run a mega church and then left it (I think because he felt that he was becoming too proud - the church had about 5,000 people attend weekly). He and his wife and kids downsized their home because he felt that they didn’t need so much space and the money they made from downsizing was used for ministry. He wrote the popular book Crazy Love which I myself read about 10 years ago. It inspired me to start sponsoring kids through World Vision. I’ve always believed that he is a very sincere man who practices what he preaches. Anyway, he just recently preached a sermon and I’ll post it below, but it sounds like he isn’t too far away from becoming Catholic. I think with enough prayers, especially the Rosary, our Lady will guide him home so please pray for him.

Survived. C'est fini. Thank you for the prayer. [insert appropriate smilie for relief from a long-term stress here.]

There are members on Pham here more aware and educated than I am - I hope they will respond. My thoughts only are as follows: Congratulations for choosing the role as a teacher's aid in your parish. I am sorry to read you have had the experiences you have - and experiences that now weigh rather heavily on you. It is not going to be easy, nor is there any understanding available of outcome or final result, but I would have a quiet word with the teacher. A next step where your situation is concerned will depend on the result or outcome and you might need to speak to the DRE. In fact, the DRE should be aware of failings in religious instruction of children. It is his or her responsibility under the pp. You also bear a responsibility as an aid. I think it could be presented to the DRE as a general type of confusion on your part, rather than making an accusation about the teacher you are helping. You could present the above to the DRE as your confusion about the program. It is of vital and central, primary, importance that children understand the essence of The Eucharist - that on which our Faith depends. To state that The Eucharist is symbol only is in fact heresy and denies the Real Presence. Vocation is indeed a choice, but it is The Holy Spirit (or God to little children I would think) that a person even considers a certain vocational path. How one would present that to third graders, I have no idea at all. -

Quiet Man Assisi Underground The Scarlet and the Black A Man for all Seasons Shoes of the Fisherman Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Hi all! This is super random, but after watching a couple really good movies, I was thinking of starting a little list of secular movies that portray Catholicism in a good light/have good Catholic themes (perhaps for a movie night with friends/family, dunno! *shrugs* ). It can be hard to find, especially in an era that is so not friendly to Christians/Catholics, but I can think of quite a few already! It's a more sizable list than I expected. I'll admit some aren't as blatant as others, and they're not all so "family friendly" necessarily, but they're all good! I'm sure people have thought about this before, so I'd like to know if anyone have anything to add to the list? :D - Sound of Music (of course!) - The Trouble with Angels - Going My Way - The Bells of St. Mary's - Sister Act - Lilies of the Field (1963) - Les Miserables - Madeline (from 1998; one of the least blatant on this list but it was a staple of my childhood so I'm biased :D ) - Au Revoir, Les Enfants (haven't seen it yet, but I have it and it's a French film about a Carmelite boarding school that helped out Jewish children during the Holocaust)

The Irishman (Netflix) is definitely not family friendly but is does portray the church in a positive light. Surprisingly, The Two Popes (Netflix) does as well, even though it somewhat villianizes B16 and church tradition in the beginning.

I saw it. It's long and slow but a good movie.

I haven't seen it yet, but the reviews I've heard say "A Hidden Life" portrays Catholics in a positive light.

Well..in those days i guess it was difficult to swallow because thete is no real dialogue to build a healthy relationship. Its only yes or no. You either take it or leave it. All they will say is offer it up to the Lord.

Spot on. Prayer for your continuing journey.

"In This House of Brede" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJTvbTmv5Yw

Jesus Christ, Superstar good movie, great soundtrack

In Texas the police have the ability to “arrest” an individual they believe is a danger to themselves or others and transport them to a mental health facility. They’re evaluated by doctors at that point. It’s called an emergency detention (if you live in Texas). This is all in the officers discretion and there is always a chance they take them to jail for the threats or whatever. The jail is not a great place for anyone much less the mentally ill.

That sounds tough -- after trying to engage with her a couple times as you said I think it's best if you stop for now and leave her alone. If I were you I'd speak to someone else about it after Mass, first. I'd say calling the police might be a last resort; definitely, though, let someone else know and see what can be done. Maybe even try to talk to your parish priest about it before next Sunday (unless she even does this at daily Mass). Obviously I haven't been there so I'm not entirely sure, but that's what I think might be a good course of action to take for now. Prayers!

Yes yes yes to every thing you just said!! Thank you for that! I really appreciate that you actually touched on what I have been thinking & feeling all this time.

The charism you're describing isn't very common (in my experience), but it does kind of remind me of the Society of Our Mother of Peace. They do not have any foundations in Europe that I am aware of, though. Their information can be found here: http://www.marythefont.org/

NOVENA TO ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL AND IN HONOUR OF THE NINE ANGELIC CHOIRS http://maryourhelp.org/St-michael-the-arch-angel-novena.html In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Come Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of the faithful, and in kindle in them the fire of thy love. V. Send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created. R. And thou shall renew the face of the earth. LET US PRAY Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that in the same spirit we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our lord. Amen. V. Thou, o lord will open my lips. R. And my tongue shall announce Thy praise. V. Incline unto my aid, o God. R. Oh lord, make haste to help me. V. Glory be to the father, etc. R. As it was in the beginning, etc. EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE PSALM 51 Have mercy on me, oh lord for i have sinned. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sins, my offences truly I know them, my sin is always before me, against you, you alone, have I sinned, what is evil in your sight I have done; that you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, oh see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived indeed you love truth in the heart, then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom, oh purify me, then I shall be clean, wash me, i shall be whiter than snow, make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crush my trill. From my sins turn away your face, and bloth out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, oh God, put a steadfast spirit within me, do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit, give me again the joy of your help, with a spirit of favour sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Oh rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue ring out your goodness. O lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For a sacrifice to take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favour to zion, Rebuild the wall of jerusalem, then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice (burnt offering wholly consumed) then you will be offered young bull on your altar. Glory to the father, to the son, and to the holy spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen CHAPLET OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL (OFFICE OF THE NINE ANGELIC CHOIRS) THE FIRST SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE SERAPHIM In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute you St. Michael, glorious Prince of the choir of Seraphim, and all the angels of this burning choir of love. I thank you, Oh holy angels, for your most ardent love of God and Mary, the queen of this choir. Inflame me and all men with your purest Angelic love, that with you we may love God here on earth and one day for all eternity in heaven. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE SECOND SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE CHERUBIM In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute you St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of the cherubim and all the angels of this choir. I thank you for your great zeal for the glory of God. As one day, you fought against lucifer and his host to defend the honour of the incarnate word and His blessed mother, so now defend us, your little helpless brethren, against the same powerful enemy that our hearts will always be pure and undefiled, real tabernacle of Christ, santuary of the Holy Ghost, temple of the most adorable Trinity. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE THIRD SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE THRONES In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. michael, glorious prince of the choir of the thrones and all the angels of this choir. O heavenly spirits whom God has appointed to preside over nations, kingdoms, dioceses and religious communities, guide and rule over us inspire and direct the heart of men so that many saints may arise in every nation and ever religious community. In particular, i greet and salute the angel who, by the will of God, preside over our community. Pray, bless and intercede for us. We promise the obedience and reverence. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE FOURTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE DOMINATIONS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of dominations, and all the angels of this choir. By the will of the most high, you assist confessors, preachers, superior of religious institutions, teachers, and all who spread the kingdom of God. We humbly pray and beseech you, convert the heretics and infidels, bring back to the faith the fallen away catholics, illuminate the mind of men and inflamed their hearts that soon maybe but on fold and one shepherd. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE FIFTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE PRINCIPALITIES In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of this most exalted choir of the principalities, and all the angels of this choir. To your loving care God has committed each parish. You watch over every tabernacle and offer your sanctus in reparation for the scandals, the coldness and indifference of the hearts of men. You pray for the dying and that the little ones may receive the sacrament of baptism. I unite my prayers to yours, especially with the angels of this parish. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE SIXTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE POWERS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the power of powers, and all the angels of this most exalted choir. Protect us against the powers of darkness, especially against temptations of pride, anger, and impatience, that with your assistance we may constantly advance on the road of perfection. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE SEVENTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE VIRTUES In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of virtues, and all the angels of this heavenly choir. You assist pious souls in the most important task of their purification. Assist us, o holy angels, assist us oh holy angels, that we will not only have the will, but adopt the means, that we may never dread the sacrifice but with your help and assistance we acquire one virtue after another so that the splendour of God's own sanctity may be reflected in us. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE EIGHTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE ARCHANGELS In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the most exalted choir of the Archangels, and all the angels of this Choir. Glory and thanksgiving be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost for creating you and for assuming from your midst the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God. we most humbly pray and beseech the Holy Archangels to teach us and those dear to us the science and wisdom of saints. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. THE NINETH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE ANGELS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael glorious prince of the most exalted choir of the Angels and all the Angels of this choir. Paused in awe and astonishment, God has appointed one of the princes of this heavenly host to be the custodian of every man one of them is appointed to watch over me, to guide, to even served me. My faithful friend, my deares brother in the Holy Angel. I greet you a thousand times in the name of Jesus and Mary, i thank God that He made thee so beautiful and so powerful. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. Then say the Our Father, four times, in conclusion: the first to St. Michael, the second to St Gabriel, the third to St. Raphael, the fourth to our guardian angel ANTHEM Oh glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly host, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirit, servant in the house of the divine king and our admirable conductor, who does shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully everyday. V. pray for us, oh glorious St. Michael, prince of the church of Jesus Christ. R. That we may be made worthy of His promises. LET US PRAY Almighty and everlasting God, who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most gracious archangel, St. Michael, prince of thy church, make us worthy will beseech thee, to be delivered by his power protection at the hour of death, and may we be conducted by him into the August presence of thy divine majesty. This we beg through the merit of Jesus Christ our lord. Amen http://maryourhelp.org/St-michael-the-arch-angel-novena.html

The Baltimore Carmel--the oldest Carmelite community in the US--offers this video in celebration of the 100th birthday of Sister Mary Eileen of the Blessed Trinity.

For most people the Christmas season ended a couple of weeks ago. Decorations are packed away, and some of the kids’ toys are already broken. We’re into a new year, and trying to reconstruct a daily routine. But liturgically the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season and the transition to “Ordinary Time.” Matthew’s simple account of the baptism today ends with the heavenly voice introducing “my beloved Son.” Recalling his coming—which we’ve celebrated in the Christmas season—we’re invited to welcome the Beloved One into our midst once more. As a community we will pledge ourselves—through each Sunday celebration which follows—to listen and respond to Christ’s proclamation of the Good News. One of the major themes of this season and the whole Gospel is God reaches out beyond every boundary to draw people into God’s embrace. The sacrament of baptism communicates God’s presence and God’s faithfulness. Baptism is simultaneously a sign of the love that flows from God’s heart and reaches beyond all boundaries. In our first reading Isaiah speaks a word of hope“ I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.” In this passage, the prophet writes to God’s people toward the end of the Babylonian exile. The people have strayed from God and been taken into exile, and now the prophet speaks a word of hope into this darkness of exile. Even in the midst of suffering, forcibly taken from their land, God declares God’s people beloved, chosen, and called by name. In the New Testament text, Peter is preaching to the centurion Cornelius in the Acts of the Apostles. According to custom and law, Jewish people were not allowed to enter the houses of gentiles. But God sent a vision to Peter of unclean animals and said, “What God has cleansed, do not call unclean.” Now, Peter preaches to Cornelius’ household about the ministry of Jesus: “They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear.” This is restoration and renewal. This is radical inclusion. There is no human outside the reach of God’s love. Jesus died and rose again for all to be gathered unto God – not only the Jews but also those of every nation. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Christ. Even the great preacher John the Baptist hesitates to step into the role that God has called him to. Matthew’s Gospel recounts, John hesitates, citing his own unworthiness when compared with Jesus. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus answers him and instructs John to baptize him, “ it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.” Truly, this is the right thing to do, for when Jesus comes out of the water the heavens split open and a voice from heaven declares, “ This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him” What do these themes mean for today? In the sacrament of baptism, God declares, “This is my Child, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” God has given a path that is paved with love, renewal, belonging, and acceptance. God reaches to those that doubt their belonging, and those who doubt their worth and declares that they have a place in the Kingdom of God. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a feast to rededicate ourselves to God, at the beginning of a New Year. It is a feast encouraging us to be agents of love and light to the world. If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution here’s a simple one: let all that we say and do manifest that basic truth that God is with us.

Well, I'm totally unfamiliar with religious life back then, but this doesn't sound like a "test" to me. I also notice when people are not making eye contact with me (and instead with others), last time I told someone (at an appropriate time) they hadn't noticed at all. I'd guess it means that the novice mistress was more interested in / in tune with the other candidate than you. That can happen. The really interesting parts of your experience are what followed: First, that you were very upset by this sisters rude behaviour, I guess this is understandable since you were probably young and in a tense situation. And second, the reaction of the community leader, which in your description sounds like she didn't exactly behave in a mature way. Sounds like her instincts were to defend her sister, instead of showing a bit of empathy - which she could have done even if she believed that what you were describing was just a product of your imagination. So, you're probably right, you weren't meant for them :-)

Apologies P60 - the above just registered with me. I hope that your family is and will be safe.

Thank you, P60. Our bushfire victims are having problems with looters too. Police are now patrolling affected areas due to the looting. Arson is beyond my comprehension - the mentality of a person or persons who would light bushfires in our current conditions especially just defies my imagination even. I was truly shocked by the Christchurch disasters and my heart went out to New Zealanders. Both in New Zealand and here in the face of disasters, I am edified by the attitudes of those affected.