Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

[BarbTherese]

Douay Rheims Translation Psalm 33 http://www.drbo.org/x/d?b=drb&bk=21&ch=33&l=15#x

Turn away from evil and do good: seek after peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: and his ears unto their prayers. But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the just; but out of them all will the Lord deliver them.

Who are the just?

Catholic Culture - Catholic Dictionary https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=34424" Depending on the sins from which a person is to be delivered, there are different kinds of justification. An infant is justified by baptism and the faith of the one who requests or confers the sacrament. Adults are justified for the first time either by personal faith, sorrow for sin and baptism, or by the perfect love of God, which is at least an implicit baptism of desire. Adults who have sinned gravely after being justified can receive justification by sacramental absolution or perfect contrition for their sins. (Etym. Latin justus, just + facere, to make, do: justificatio.) "  (The whole text can be read on the above link)

[BarbTherese]

Lastly on this subject (I think!), is a reflection on the life of St Therese of Lisieux:

http://www.sttherese.webhero.com/
                Theresa of Lisieux was known for falling asleep during prayer hours in the chapel but she noted that 'God loved her even though she often slept during the time for prayer'. The Church would recognize a profound and valuable teaching in 'the little way'--an awareness of one's limitations, the wholehearted giving of what one has no matter how small the gift.

Mental health problems of all kinds are going to present us with limitations and sometimes these limitations can really and truly limit one to within certain boundaries in life.  The key is to recognise what one's limitations in life might be and this is where a good psychiatrist can be very helpful in facilitating one to recognise just what those limitations actually are - of course, however, a psychiatrist is not absolutely necessary in discerning limitations.  Common sense is a pretty good guide as are those we trust who know us well.  Our limitations could be said to be God nudging us "Go this far, but no further".

In the extract from the life of St Therese, she was duty bound to observe her Carmelite Rule of Life.   She often fell asleep during private prayer time and she had two options.  She could either be distressed and stressed, loose Peace, because she was not keeping her Rule of Life as she was vowed to do, or she could reflect on her relationship with God.  Therese did the latter.  There is a dynamic therein.  We too have a choice, we can either disturb our Peace of mind, heart and soul by reflection on our relationship with various important matters (but not issues of sin and Therese did not deliberately use Prayer time to go to sleep) and where we have failed therein, or we can reflect on our relationship with God in the situation.  The task then becomes, to me, a matter of defining who God is to me and how I am relating to Him.

In my sinfulness, I can always turn to God's Love and Mercy which never ever fails if one is sorry.  For Catholics, we have sure and absolute Mercy in The Sacrament of Reconciliation no matter how seriously one has failed. Deo Gratius!

[BarbTherese]

I have had a lot of trouble and time with the formatting of this post, hope it comes out ok!

A question posed in Catholic Questions and Answers Forum (Answer available by clicking onto thread title below):

While "single" and even "singlehood" are Catholic cultural terms, the vocation to the lay celibate life is better termed and more accurately as a vocation to the "celibate state in the laity" - it is more descriptive of the actual call and vocation by God per se.  Celibate and its meaning is probably obvious although the actual call and vocation within the laity would be more accurately described as "chaste state in the laity".  "Laity" and its inherent duties are all spelt out very clearly in the documents out of Rome on the laity.  "Celibacy" is probably more about the state of life, while "Chastity" is about the duties of the celibate state in this instance i.e. this thread.  Certainly, anyone making private vows, usually makes at least a vow to Chastity where the chaste or celibate state in the laity is concerned.

I know that all this might seem a bit pedantic - but if I can get our terminology in Church terms correct and spot on, then I think I can get closer to what the actual 'single' vocation and call is all about and in Church understanding of the vocation.  The Church is painstakingly exact and precise in Her terminology.

Quotations below are taken from the Catholic Culture Dictionary : https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=32393

 

 

CHASTITY - Chastity and purity, modesty and decency are comparable in that they have the basic meaning of freedom from whatever is lewd or salacious. Yet they also differ. Chastity implies an opposition to the immoral in the sense of lustful or licentious. It suggests refraining from all acts or thoughts that are not in accordance with the Church's teaching about the use of one's reproductive powers. It particularly stresses restraint and an avoidance of anything that might defile or make unclean the soul because the body has not been controlled in the exercise of its most imperious passion. (Etym. Latin castus, morally pure, unstained.)

Chastity - The virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason. In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life; in unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention until (or unless) they get married; in those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.

CELIBACY -

The state of being unmarried and, in Church usage, of one who has never been married. Catholicism distinguishes between lay and ecclesiastical celibacy, and in both cases a person freely chooses for religious reasons to remain celibate.

Lay celibacy was practiced already in the early Church. The men were called "the continent" (continentes) and women "virgins" (virgines). They were also known as ascetics who were encouraged to follow this form of life by St. Paul. According to the Apostle, "An unmarried man can devote himself to the Lord's affairs, all he need worry about is pleasing the Lord . . . In the same way an unmarried woman, like a young girl, can devote herself to the Lord's affairs; all she need worry about is being holy in body and spirit" (I Corinthians 7:32, 34). Throughout history the Church has fostered a celibate life in the lay state. Towering among the means of sanctity available to the laity, declared the Second Vatican Council, "is that precious gift of divine grace given to some by the Father to devote themselves to God alone more easily with an undivided heart in virginity or celibacy. This perfect continence for love of the kingdom of heaven has always been held in high esteem by the Church as a sign and stimulus of love, and as a singular source of spiritual fertility in the world" (Constitution on the Church, 42).

Ecclesiastical celibacy was a logical development of Christ's teaching about continence (Matthew 19:10-12). The first beginnings of religious life were seen in the self-imposed practice of celibacy among men and women who wished to devote themselves to a lifetime following Christ in the practice of the evangelical counsels. Celibacy was one of the features of the earliest hermits and a requirement of the first monastic foundations under St. Pachomius (c. 290-346). Over the centuries religious celibacy has been the subject of the Church's frequent legislation. The Second Vatican Council named chastity first among the evangelical counsels to be practiced by religious and said that "It is a special symbol of heavenly benefits, and for religious it is a most effective means of dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the divine service and the works of the apostolate' (Decree on the Up-to-date Renewal of Religious Life, 12). (Etym. Latin caelibatus, single life, celibacy.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 27, 2015 by BarbaraTherese

[BarbTherese]

"Chaste state in the laity" would also embrace married life, which is why I use the terminology the vocation and call as "celibate state in the laity".  Chastity, indeed, is a call to all the baptised regardless of their state in life - chastity in accord with their particular state in life.

States of Life in The Church: Holy Orders, Marriage, Consecrated Life, Lay Celibacy (lay celibacy can be either transitional or permanent. It is transitional for those who anticipate or are discerning a call into another state of life.  Permanent for those committed to lay celibacy for life, although it does remain open to a further call to another state of life without anticipating or discerning same)

If one has vowed or promised lay celibacy for life, dispensation from a priest (see Canon Law) would be required to enter into Marriage, while it is not required for Holy Orders or Consecrated Life.

[BarbTherese]

I am tentatively starting a blog.  This morning, I realized that a Blog would put my posts into Categories which would be helpful to any reader.  It does strike me as a time consuming sort of exercise and my hope is that as I become familiar with the ins and outs of blogging, it wont be so problematic in time consumed.  I am not posting a link to the blog just yet as I still unsure if I want to go on with the exercise due to the time factor - also, what I am doing is transferring posts from this thread into the blog so those following this thread will have read the posts already.  Once I am convinced that a blog is my call, then I will post the link.

[BarbTherese]

Well, after my previous post an hour ago with great hopes- I have a day off today and have already spent over 2hrs trying to figure out the WordPress blog - without success.  I very much doubt I will be posting a blog   I absolutely refuse to go back to WordPress!

[BarbTherese]

This is another post from a different thread into Vocation Forum here on Phatmass that I should include here.  I will rarely speak about the content of my psychotic episodes because they do bring back to me painful memories, confusions and unknowing - vague memories I cannot be sure happened, others come back suddenly and vividly and I know it happened but had forgotten but could not recall if I had confessed - although more recently these are quickly transitory events since Father instructed me in Confession to never go into the past again.  Flashbacks are no longer events that bring me confusion and grief over an extended period. 

Even though I was in the revolving door of a psychiatric unit with serious psychotic bipolar episodes, Bethany as a way of life continued to function between episodes, once I returned back to Bethany and my mental state was stable.

 

It is impossible for me to describe the agony of heart. mind and soul Bipolar has triggered - and over more than two decades.  I don't wonder if I am a repentant sinner or not knowing that I am.  But all such soul searching I have been able to put at Peace and go on as if nothing happened in the first place.  If I am culpable of whatever might have happened in my past, I have made a good Confession and therefore that past exists for neither The Lord and therefore, not for me either.  It is now as if nothing happened in the first place - which is our theology of The Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The problem I had to grapple with was some things that happened during an episode were vivid in memory but I could not recall if I had confessed them or not.  While other things would come back to me many years later indeed and off to Confession I would go unsure if I had confessed the matter or matters or not and it would be something(s) quite some years back during psychotic episodes, sometimes ten to fifteen or so years back - or even longer.  I still have flashbacks into my psychotic years - I don't know whether this is normal or whether it might be the result of being treated with LSD when I first fell ill.  LSD was then legal for psychiatric use in Australia over 40 years now when I was first ill - LSD is now illegal for psychiatric use.

I am a cradle Catholic and probably in my forties I went through great struggles with my Catholicism.  During my teens too, I had struggles - but nothing like what was to lay ahead. Certainly during my psychotic episodes of Bipolar I have had a colourful past.  Was it a very sinful past? There is no way of knowing just what the level of my own culpability might be.  This fact caused me tremendous struggles indeed until I went to Confession one day and Father told me to never go back into the past again.  From then on I was at complete Peace and this was the second time I had what was to me a near on miracle through Confession.  The first was a cure of scruples.

I have found increasing Peace in the knowledge of The Lord's Love and Mercy which indeed, to me, surpasses absolutely all understanding.

http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/topic/135223-penitent-sinners-who-offered-their-lives-to-christ-and-became-saints/?

[BarbTherese]

Something occurred to me last night and this morning I tried it out and it led me to what was confusing me.  I have the blog at least begun with a few posts that are actually taken from the beginning of this thread and gradually I will transfer this whole thread to the blog - as it seems to me now that is - with the problem I had with WordPress resolved.

I haven't yet made, I don't think, the blog public but once I am convinced for sure I am travelling in the way I am meant to do so, then I will make it public and advise the link.  I also will speak to my SD about it and I don't see him until the second week in May 2015.  Meanwhile, all being well, I will continue to transfer this thread to the blog.  There might be some quite minor adjustments to some posts only.  Also, to transfer this whole thread is going to take me quite some time I should imagine.

[BarbTherese]

Well, I have started a blog on WordPress and will be slowly transferring this thread on to the blog.  It will probably take me quite some times - sick dog at the moment and vet fees rising not much heart for the computer at all ............ but all in The Lord's Hands.  I am going to try to refrain from posting into this thread as much as I can until I have the whole thread transferred to the blog.  The benefit of a blog is that posts are categorized and easier to find the various subjects I am hoping.  I probably wont be posting anything new into the blog either until I have the whole of this thread transferred.  See what unfolds.  I am seeing my SD in roughly two weeks and if he thinks a blog is not a good idea, it will be deleted.  

Blog URL : https://barbbethany.wordpress.com/  (Thank you to oremus1 for suggestion re starting a blog)

______________

Prayer for my little dog, Buddie (Maltese cross) much appreciated.  The next few days will determine whether it is something passing or something more serious.  I had much planned for this year and some of it is in process - all costing dollars.  In January 2016, I was hoping to travel interstate for my 70th and my son's 50th, 5 days apart.............but my bank account is slowly emptying due to vet's fees.  As much as I know  intellectually all is in The Lord Hands, I still feel lousy about it all.  Ah well, perhaps I might learn a lesson in humility through underscoring self-knowledge of where I am really at!

[BarbTherese]

Well, I have started a blog on WordPress and will be slowly transferring this thread on to the blog.  It will probably take me quite some times - sick dog at the moment and vet fees rising not much heart for the computer at all ............ but all in The Lord's Hands.  I am going to try to refrain from posting into this thread as much as I can until I have the whole thread transferred to the blog.  The benefit of a blog is that posts are categorized and easier to find the various subjects I am hoping.  I probably wont be posting anything new into the blog either until I have the whole of this thread transferred.  See what unfolds.  I am seeing my SD in roughly two weeks and if he thinks a blog is not a good idea, it will be deleted.  

Blog URL : https://barbbethany.wordpress.com/

Not too happy about WordPress just advising me that advertisements might appear on my blog.  I have no control over who advertises what - will wait and see what unfolds.  To eliminate advertisements, I need to upgrade at a cost of $99 year.

______________

Prayer for my little dog, Buddie (Maltese cross) much appreciated.  The next few days will determine whether it is something passing or something more serious.  I had much planned for this year and some of it is in process - all costing dollars.  In January 2015, I was hoping to travel interstate for my 70th and my son's 50th.............as my bank account is slowly emptying due to vet's fees.  As much as I know  intellectually all is in The Lord Hands, I still feel lousy about it all.  Ah well, perhaps I might learn a lesson in humility through self-knowledge of where I am really at!

[BarbTherese]

Removing the blog altogether.  Phatmass is moving very slow for me and also misbehaving at times which, with the blog, is all too time consuming.  I have spent far too much time on the computer and am intensely annoyed that I was not openly advised by WordPress about advertisements until my last post to the blog or the one before that.  I would have no control at all over what is advertised on the blog.  Not only that but I am unsure about what I am doing or what is what on the blog - too unskilled with computers.

[BarbTherese]

Just back from vet and had been quite concerned about my puppy, Buddie. He had developed a cough and it could have been heart or trachea problems Google told me which might require serious surgery. Very concerned, I prayed about my hopes for Buddie but that The Lord's Will be done. Turns out Buddie has only a throat infection and my bank account only $160 lighter.  His trachea (other than infection) and heart are fine.   I don't know how many times I am going to need examples of The Lord's care for me before it sinks in that He really is taking care of me in this journey and in every way and has been doing so for quite some time now and in quite overt and obvious ways.  On the good side, I am thinking, is that I am far from any sort of presumption on His Care, but methinks perhaps just a bit TOO far.  Giving thanks.  Another good is when one journeys expecting nothing one is overcome with Joy at God's happy blessings.  My desire is to be just as overjoyed when His Blessings are not to my taste........when things seem to be going wrong, I can most often drag my feet and heart along.

I had another donation to Bethany too.  Lady called last weekend and asked if I would like a garden seat. It turned out to be a very nice wood and wrought iron garden 2-seater painted lawn green. She would accept nothing for it, but all those who have contributed to Bethany are in my daily prayer of thanksgiving.

Someone who attended the Home Mass commented in a phone call that Bethany is really beautiful and I replied that most all I have has been donated.  I started out 30 years ago with no floor coverings nor window treatments and only an old wringer washing machine, bed and wardrobe.  I did not even have cutlery nor crockery. Much has been given to me by my sons and partners: fiancé  and wife.

___________________

I went to the special Mass and supper afterwards for the Feast of the founder of my SD's religious congregation and on Friday 5th November going to a Mass for the Anointing of The Sick in his parish.

Edited May 26, 2015 by BarbaraTherese

[BarbTherese]

Just watched a documentary on Margaret Olley (decd) an Australian artist and realised nostalgically for the first time that while mental health has been restored, Deo Gratius, I have lost touch in the process with what had been a totally free spirited and artistic, creative, personality.  I sketched, painted and wrote poetry - very unconsciously thought and did what was outside any sort of square.  While I would not return to the days when bipolar was active for anything in the world - I cannot help but wonder, what happened to that person?  Did that person have to disappear with the return of mental health and is she somehow linked only with an active bipolar condition, or is there a way to unite her with my now mental health.  Is she still here or there or somewhere?  If there is a way to resuscitate her, then it is in The Lord's Hands as I have no idea whatsoever - even of how to extend some sort of invitation to return.  It as if she belongs to a different lifetime, as if I have lived three times on a quite broad memory spectrum: childhood, bipolar and post bipolar.................something like that anyway.

C'est la vie...............and on we go into the days..................

[BarbTherese]

There are posts into this thread in a question and answer type of format - re private vows: Vocation Forum "Who is Consecrated?"

 

[BarbTherese]

Just home from seeing my SD.  I will be giving up voluntary work which will allow me to go to Mass through the week.  Father has asked me to keep a Journal on how I am feeling and coping giving up voluntary work and we will re-assess in three months.  Giving up voluntary work does mean that I am going to have even less contact with people and also, I will no longer have the emotional reward vol. wk has given me (I feel that I am useful and needed).  A little nervous over this lifestyle change and on the other hand, over the moon to be able to get to Mass through the week and also Adoration at least once monthly.

Centrelink does pay me $92 fortnight Mobility Allowance due to my back and leg problems and I will loose that (the Mobility Allowance is for travel to and from voluntary work) - hence finances are going to struggle even more at times as I only used the allowance if I really had to do so - it is paid with my age pension regardless of whether I use it or not.  Not too concerned about drop in income, although a quick look at my budget and two only of my Charity donations just might need to go as well.  I need to see what unfolds and make any necessary adjustments, if any, with whatever does unfold.

I just might get interested in painting again.

[Nunsense]

Just home from seeing my SD.  I will be giving up voluntary work which will allow me to go to Mass through the week.  Father has asked me to keep a Journal on how I am feeling and coping giving up voluntary work and we will re-assess in three months.  Giving up voluntary work does mean that I am going to have even less contact with people and also, I will no longer have the emotional reward vol. wk has given me (I feel that I am useful and needed).  A little nervous over this lifestyle change and on the other hand, over the moon to be able to get to Mass through the week and also Adoration at least once monthly.

Centrelink does pay me $92 fortnight Mobility Allowance due to my back and leg problems and I will loose that (the Mobility Allowance is for travel to and from voluntary work) - hence finances are going to struggle even more at times as I only used the allowance if I really had to do so - it is paid with my age pension regardless of whether I use it or not.  Not too concerned about drop in income, although a quick look at my budget and two only of my Charity donations just might need to go as well.  I need to see what unfolds and make any necessary adjustments, if any, with whatever does unfold.

I just might get interested in painting again.

Barb

I know you know this already but rest assured if you really need something, God will provide it. I have been very poor recently because of some special expenses, but just when I started to wonder what I was going to do to make ends meet, I was offered some casual work. The extra income isn't a lot, but just enough to cover some more expenses I have coming up. So many things like that have been happening in my life recently that there just doesn't seem any reason to worry about anything anymore!  

Your changed lifestyle sounds lovely. Perhaps you need a rest from helping others physically and should now help them more spiritually through your prayers. And things like painting are a wonderful way to express yourself spiritually too. I would miss my volunteer work if I had to give it up right now, so I understand that you might experience a sense of loss there, but I am sure that your life will be filled with many others ways to feel useful and needed. Enjoy yourself.

[BarbTherese]

OH wow! nunsense - how absolutely wonderful to hear from you.  I have often wondered how you were doing, but didn't post any query wanting to respect your space and privacy. I am over the moon to see you on Phatmass once again - please do not be a stranger...........at least now and then I hope if not regularly which would be even better.  You are missed!

Thank you for the encouragement.  I have been poorer than I will be in past times, and I managed to make it through ok and thank you for reminding me of this fact.  You are a gift once more.  Someone posted here somewhere or other the quote from St Teresa " To reach something good, it is very useful to have gone astray and thus acquire experience"   I really like that quote.  Then this afternoon my SD said on my arrival "I have a thought for the day to share".  It was from a book of thoughts: "What flowers in adversity is a beautiful flower".   I replied "A little flower now and then, Father - far more weeds however".   I saw the similarity with the St Teresa quote.  I think both going astray and also adversity can bring with it much experience and many lessons - self knowledge.  I think too that going astray and adversity does provide rich soil for a measure of true humility one hopes - of which St Teresa had much to say.

I will still be working for St Vinnies doing the secretarial work and Minutes - but with my volunteer work from Anglicare gone, I have just realised that I can come off the emergency visitation assistance roster and go on to a regular roster fortnightly or weekly.  At Anglicare we often dealt with the homeless and always are dealing with those in real need.  I will miss that contact and also with fellow workers at Anglicare.  I will tell my boss tomorrow that I am leaving and offer to stay until he finds someone else for Mondays and Thursdays.

I am sure things will come along to grab my focus - and I am hoping that painting might be one of them again.  And as I said, over the moon to be able to go to weekday Mass and Adoration.

Absolutely delighted to see you on the board once again, nunsense - and to know that all is well with you.   Do stay around if you are able - even just now and then..........Blessings!........regards - Barb

 

[Nunsense]

OH wow! nunsense - how absolutely wonderful to hear from you.  I have often wondered how you were doing, but didn't post any query wanting to respect your space and privacy. I am over the moon to see you on Phatmass once again - please do not be a stranger...........at least now and then I hope if not regularly which would be even better.  You are missed!

Thank you for the encouragement.  I have been poorer than I will be in past times, and I managed to make it through ok and thank you for reminding me of this fact.  You are a gift once more.  Someone posted here somewhere or other the quote from St Teresa " To reach something good, it is very useful to have gone astray and thus acquire experience"   I really like that quote.  Then this afternoon my SD said on my arrival "I have a thought for the day to share".  It was from a book of thoughts: "What flowers in adversity is a beautiful flower".   I replied "A little flower now and then, Father - far more weeds however".   I saw the similarity with the St Teresa quote.  I think both going astray and also adversity can bring with it much experience and many lessons - self knowledge.  I think too that going astray and adversity does provide rich soil for a measure of true humility one hopes - of which St Teresa had much to say.

I will still be working for St Vinnies doing the secretarial work and Minutes - but with my volunteer work from Anglicare gone, I have just realised that I can come off the emergency visitation assistance roster and go on to a regular roster fortnightly or weekly.  At Anglicare we often dealt with the homeless and always are dealing with those in real need.  I will miss that contact and also with fellow workers at Anglicare.  I will tell my boss tomorrow that I am leaving and offer to stay until he finds someone else for Mondays and Thursdays.

I am sure things will come along to grab my focus - and I am hoping that painting might be one of them again.  And as I said, over the moon to be able to go to weekday Mass and Adoration.

Absolutely delighted to see you on the board once again, nunsense - and to know that all is well with you.   Do stay around if you are able - even just now and then..........Blessings!........regards - Barb

 

You're a sweetie - thanks. I'm not around much anymore but I do check in from time to time to see how old friends are doing. I am so glad that things are going well for you. Bless you.  

[BarbTherese]

You're a sweetie - thanks. I'm not around much anymore but I do check in from time to time to see how old friends are doing. I am so glad that things are going well for you. Bless you.  

I sure respect your decisions, nunsense.  Would be great to see you post now and then, but knowing you check out old pals and are 'watching from cyberspace' or whatever its called is good too.  To know that all is cruising along for you is wonderful.  Take care and many blessings....may The Lord continue to hold you close as always.........Barb

[BarbTherese]

Having some problems adjusting to this new way of life, while past experience reveals it can take from approximately 6wks to a few months to adjust.  I have only been on the journey for a few weeks.  I have decided to give those adult painting books a try as it is supposed to be a stress reliever.  I have no motivation to draw or paint and the colouring-in exercise might trigger inspiration.  Certainly, what I am now experiencing is a more contemplative type of existence in that I am quietly aware of The Lord more.  My problem is what on earth to do with my hands at times while Peacefully aware of The Lord - I'm not gifted with an ability for long periods just sitting, being still.  This might be conditioning.  Certainly even in monastic life, one does not sit quite still for very long periods.  With two days out of my week now free, there is limited work around house and garden and both have been structured that way knowing I would not be getting younger.

I can't do anything at the moment that involves any sort financial outlay whatsoever.  I am saving to go interstate in January for birthday celebrations.

Years ago I read a supposed quote from the desert fathers:

"“A certain brother went to Abbot Moses in Scete,
and asked him for a good word.
And the elder said to him:
Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.”

My past experience has been that the above really has something to say.  In adjusting to a new way of life of no pre-existing structure one comes up with ideas - some discarded some adopted.  As time passes of whatever length, hindsight reveals that one now has a new way of life.  I think it is the same for any kind of transition "go, sit in your cell" reflects for me "be still and know that I am God" - to free oneself of anxiety and concern insofar as one is able and to be trustful - to strive to rest in Peace in confident trust.  There is nothing so great nor so minute in life in which God is not involved.  I'm not overly anxious, stirring up anxieties, about watching TV more either - it is a really welcome distraction just at this point and one I know that will pass from past experience.......I'm not really a TV fan.

In last night's bulletin (Vigil Mass) the mental health chaplain is looking for volunteers.  I will be ringing the parish office about this on Tuesday to find out what I can. 

Prayerful patience and confident trust - and a prayer really appreciated for this transition period